By Tim DeLouchrey & Doug Boyle
Staff Writers

You don’t have to be a bookworm to know that the librarians are some of the most helpful people in the school. Whether a student is looking to check out a book, researching for a paper, or printing a report, librarians Elaine Pietras and Suzanne Harde are always there to help.

Pietras has been working for Westford Academy as a Library Media Specialist since March 24, 1980. While attending Boston College, she heard about the opening at WA from a friend. Pietras had been at Boston College on a fellowship for her audio-visual certificate.

Harde graduated from Westford Academy in 1986 and has now been a library media specialist for three years.In addition, Harde obtained her masters degree in Library Science from Simmons College.
Pietras has a long history as a librarian. Before working at WA, she graduated from SUNY Albany with a Masters Degree in Information Science. She also attended college at University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she also worked in the Pollard Library.

Pietras has gotten to know students very well through various clubs including Broadcasting Club, SADD, and Best Buddies. She has also been a class advisor twice and enjoys catching up with her former students.

“It is nice to see some of our students come back and share with us what they are doing in the world,” said Pietras.

Harde also has grown close with the student community. Currently, she is the advisor of the book club, and traveled to Disney this year with the senior class.

“There are … other students who enjoy spending their free time in the library so we get to know each other over the years,” said Harde.

Both women work along with a great library and technology staff at Westford Academy including Kathe Paquette, Stephanie Gosselin, Mark Miller, and Anne Millerick. The staff deals with any classes in need of support, whether it be technology or instruction in the library.

“My job is interesting because each day is different,” said Harde. “I collaborate with teachers to help teach information literacy in classes, and provide access to resources to students and staff.”

The Library Media Specialists have been doing a lot of correcting of works cited pages and giving feedback on students’ citations. Their time is well spent on correcting this information so that students will learn to cite their sources effectively.

“Our daily routine requires great collaboration,” said Pietras. Pietras says she is lucky to be working here at Westford Academy with such a dedicated staff and a great facility. She also has great respect for the students she helps.

“The best part of my job is helping students find information for their research papers or a great book to read,” said Pietras. “Our students are great information users and understand the importance of navigating through the vast amount of information in today’s world.”

Harde also greatly values being able to do something she enjoys.
“I enjoy connecting people with a good book and listening to their opinions about it,” said Harde. “I also feel lucky to work with such great people on a daily basis.”