This month, we are thrilled to feature an educator who brings a wealth of experience, a passion for bilingual education, and a deep commitment to information literacy to our state’s library community.
Meet Melissa Snider
Title: Library Media Specialist
School: Munger Mountain Elementary School (K-5 Dual Language)
District: Teton County School District, Jackson, WY
The Path to the Library
Melissa is a veteran of the library world, currently celebrating her 17th year as a school librarian. Her journey began in public library youth services before transitioning to schools. She earned her MLIS in 2007 at Simmons College in Boston. Her career has seen her manage everything from alternative high school libraries to her current home at Munger Mountain, where her expertise supports a unique dual-language environment.
A Fun Fact: Cultural Connections
Melissa’s love for language and culture extends far beyond the classroom! She is bilingual and has spent time living in Oaxaca, Mexico, as well as in Northern Mexico. These experiences allow her to connect deeply with the diverse student body at her dual-language school.
Insights From the Library
The “Why” Behind the Work
For Melissa, the magic of being a school librarian is found in the variety of the day-to-day work.
She treasures:
1. The Connection: Seeing every student in the school every single week and building
relationships across all grade levels.
2. Creative Freedom: The ability to weave literature into every lesson plan and watch the
progression of skills as students grow from Kindergarten through 5th grade.
What Parents and Students Should Know
“School libraries are active teaching and learning spaces.” Melissa wishes more people understood that school librarians are held to the same high standards as classroom teachers.
The library is a hub for:
- Academic Content: Lessons are a sophisticated blend of language acquisition and core content.
- Information Literacy: A constant thread in every lesson, ensuring students learn to navigate information responsibly.
- Professional Practice: Librarians participate in ongoing professional development and evaluation just like their classroom peers.
Success in the Stacks
Melissa’s library is a center for community engagement and collaboration:
- Winter Book Giveaway: Now in its 4th year, this event distributed over 1,500 donated books
this past December to encourage reading and parent engagement. - Collaborative Inquiry: She is currently partnering with the Science Specialist for Science Fest,
helping 4th and 5th graders master the research phase of their projects. - Diverse Perspectives: She is leading 2nd graders through a specialized unit highlighting
Indigenous authors and illustrators.
The Power of Partnership
Melissa’s final word of advice? Librarians make great partners. Whether you are a parent or a fellow educator, she encourages you to connect with your school librarian to help bridge roles and better serve our families.