Our Southwest library has always been a valuable resource for students, whether it is to borrow a book or to help students study. Recently though, there have been lots of changes. Our school has a new librarian, Ms. Lohse. The new librarian, Ms. Lohse has been working around the clock to preserve Southwest’s library and help out students with so much more than just book needs.

She has made lots of changes, including things such as the layout and hours of the library. Halimah (‘25) mentioned that she “Really loves the book displays she puts on and she leaves really good books out in the halls – not just the crappy books.” Besides that, she fills her library with books that students are interested in. Ms. Lohse says “Lots of kids are looking for sports books. I am thinking of things that we do not have. I try to be very responsive to what the kids want.” The students have noticed her efforts, Rubina (‘27) said “She’s really cool to talk to about books, and has some good recommendations.”

Ms. Lohse has an extensive background in education and libraries. This is her 33rd year in education, where she has worked as an English teacher and as librarian, at several different schools. When we asked her how she liked Southwest, she had only good things to say. She talked about how amazing the emphasis on reading is, and how great it is that teachers can bring their students in to check out books. She has been really enjoying this positive environment.

She has been feeling so welcomed and been having such a good time, that Ms. Lohse said “The students have been so welcoming! I have felt very much a part of what goes on at Southwest!” We asked around the school, to hear what students think of the new librarian. Ella Burke (‘25) says ¨The library is so organized now¨. Another student who is proud to have straight A’s, Mikaela Doyle (‘27) said ¨I’ve actually never been to the library before…¨ Hopefully more students will utilize the library this year because of not only the change in staff but also the change in vibe.

As a librarian, obviously, Ms. Lohse loves books and loves to read. Her favorite genre is historical fiction, but her favorite book doesn’t fall into that genre. Her favorite book is Middlemarch by Mary Ann Evans. She has a very wide taste in books and loves reading new books, and that makes her a great librarian!

Ms. Lohse said that she would like all students to fill out this survey: https://tinyurl.com/requestbooksforsw