Ginny Nading at work. A student took this photo of her when they were layering liquids to bring the spiders to the top.
Journey Elementary librarian Ginny Nading was named a recipient of the 2019 Celebrate Literacy Award from the Wyoming State Literacy Association. Ginny has been a part of the Natrona County School District team for 13 years and has spent the last 6 years as an elementary school library media technician. She’ll graduate with her bachelor’s degree in Library Sciences from Valley City State University this coming spring.
The Casper Literacy Council nominated Ginny Nading for the impact on literacy she makes in the school community and beyond through her work with students, teachers, and families. She devotes countless hours to organize, plan, teach, and deliver literacy activities in many forms.
Ginny’s passion for literacy was instilled in Cody Wyoming through her fifth-grade teacher Mr. Smith, “I loved going to my school library and looking for that special book while thumbing through the card catalog and listening to the read-aloud,” she said.
Ginny takes pride in running her library differently. She gives students a choice of flexible seating options and opportunities for hands-on learning. This year she is beginning to explore with Breaker Space, a work station that has “misfit” toys and other broken electronics for students to disassemble and discover with.
“This award means so much to me,” she said. “It was humbling to be nominated, let alone be a recipient. I think literacy is so important to everyone, whether it is for pleasure, research, or work. Literacy is a functional life skill that we all need to have. I love being able to share my love of reading to my students, all 400 and some, through different tones and excitement.”
Ginny was honored and received her award at the Young Authors Celebration in Casper on September 7, 2019.