The Birmingham City Schools Librarian of the Year for the 2024-25 academic year is Beverly Brown of A.H. Parker High School!
Mrs. Brown is always looking to help her students and coworkers. Every visitor to the Dr. Dannetta Kennon Thornton Owens Library (named after a former graduate and longtime Smithfield resident) will notice it’s buzzing with students working on computers, in small groups and asking for assistance with projects and technology. The students and her coworkers also like to visit because she often gives words of encouragement. Her laugh and smile is contagious. The library is truly a hub at her school. All are welcome at any time and is a safe place for everyone in the building.
Mrs. Brown has been at AH Parker since 2014 after being the librarian at Curry and Jackson-Olin. She also works with technology in the summer to ensure all our students have devices at the school.
Ms. Brown has attended several local, state, and national library conferences throughout her career. She is always eager to share what she learned, what author she met and the many pictures she has taken with the authors. Her book club continues to instill and inspire the love of reading.
The Librarian of the Year is selected by their peers. They look at what impact the person has on the school library, community, state and nation. Another aspect is mentorship. What steps do they take to mentor their students and other librarians? Professionally, how does the individual improve their craft and share their knowledge with others in the field and beyond.