My name is Sarah FitzHenry, but you can call me Ms. Fitz. And I’m here to tell you that just about everything you think you know about libraries is wrong.

Let’s get a few librarian stereotypes out of the way here: we’re not quiet, we’re not boring, and we’re not going anywhere. As a School Librarian, I get to turn my passion for stories into something electric – dynamic programming that pushes students to ask questions, think critically, and explore their world. Our library is a technology, research, and innovation hub designed and run for students, by students. In this loud, messy, and inclusive space, everyone is welcome – and everyone knows it. It is a space for the spark of curiosity to ignite. Want to build a robot, but don’t know where to start? I’ve got your back. Determined to write your local leadership about creating change? Follow me. Convinced that you’re not a reader? Challenge accepted.

I started writing about libraries in 2012 as a way to prove that librarians do, in fact, make noise. Since then, Fitz Between the Shelves has evolved to become a platform for advocacy, inspiration, and collaboration. I believe that books, libraries, and librarians are critical tools for helping to create the next generation of leaders that will shape our world: and you better believe I’m here to do the work.

I became a librarian because I believe that the right book at the right time can change a child’s life.

Literature should be meaningful. It should take hold of your heart, and your brain, and refuse to let you go. Many children think that they don’t like reading or that they are not readers; more often than not, they just haven’t found their book yet. Nothing can replace the experience of losing, recognizing, and finding yourself between the pages of a library book. I live for the “ah-hah!” moments that students experience when they read a book that changes everything. It is my goal to find that perfect book for every child – and to be there to facilitate a conversation when lightning strikes.

A good reading teacher will work diligently to give students the skills that they need to be successful readers. A good librarian will take this foundation and give it heart, helping students to develop a lifelong passion for reading and learning.

I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with my parents, two sisters, a handful of cats, and lots of full bookshelves. When I wasn’t camped out in the public library, that is. I hold Bachelors Degrees in Music Education and English/Creative Writing from Bowling Green State University, and a Masters in Library Information Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh.

I’m a proud tech geek, professional mistake-maker, and a lifelong learner. In my free time, you can find me hanging upside down teaching aerial yoga to kids and adult beginners at FlyDog Yoga. I spend my summers pedaling around and eating freeze-pops with Books on Bikes and creating unbelievably cool maker projects with Computers4Kids. When I’m finished reading and biking, I go home to Mr. Fitz (a fellow book lover, nerd extraordinaire, and all around lovely human being), and our two cats, Brian and Molly.

I love Charlottesville, I love reading, and I love libraries. This blog helps me to share my passion for what I do – and more importantly, what I hope to inspire my students to do. Thanks for visiting! I’m glad you’re here.