My name is Karla Hardin, and for the past 22 years, I have dedicated myself to the enriching world of library science within the Houston Independent School District. For the initial sixteen years, I served various roles, but have spent the recent six years at Love Elementary, initially on a part-time basis. This year, I am thrilled to embrace a full-time position here! The role of a librarian appeals to me deeply as it presents a fresh opportunity each day to discover and impart knowledge.

I firmly believe in the transformative power of reading to unlock children’s imaginations, allowing them to explore vast worlds beyond their immediate surroundings. With this philosophy at heart, I have transformed our library into a vibrant “playground” of sorts. This dynamic space encourages students to engage joyfully with reading, fostering connections, interactions, and the creation of lasting memories with their peers through the shared adventure of books.

Our weekly library sessions are a highlight for the students, designed to be much more than a simple book check-out. Each visit begins with a communal reading, where we dive into stories that spark curiosity and joy. Following this shared experience, students have the freedom to explore and select books that resonate with their individual reading journeys. This approach not only supports their academic growth but also nurtures a lifelong love for reading, ensuring that the library remains a cornerstone of their educational adventure.

Accelerated Reader Program

Accelerated Reader (AR) is a celebrated reading program in schools designed to motivate children to read at their own level and pace. After finishing a book, students take a short online quiz to test their understanding, with options available in Spanish and read-aloud formats. The program boasts over 150,000 titles, allowing for a wide range of reading choices. As students complete quizzes, they earn points and are recognized on a schoolwide bulletin board, which tracks their progress and celebrates their achievements. This system encourages continuous reading engagement and achievement, making reading a rewarding experience for students.