Peace and quiet. Comfortable seating. Rows of truthful stories and eye-opening information line the shelves. The perfect place to escape to in the middle of a busy day. These are usually some of the images that come to mind when one hears the word “library.”

This year we welcome Janice Alpert, who began her job here in August, to the Milton High library space as our new library media specialist. So far, Alpert said that she is excited to be here.

Because the library is officially a “library media center,” there are many more happenings there throughout the school day. In other words, both mornings and afternoons are filled with the Student Technology Assistance Team (STAT) repairing Chromebooks, students rushing in to print their five-paragraph essays, different classes taking the day to learn how to research for projects, and more.

This native New Yorker originally planned on being an English teacher, but soon realized that the job just wouldn’t be the perfect fit. After brainstorming other ideas, such as becoming an English Language Learner (ELL) teacher or a guidance counselor, and listening to her mom's advice, Alpert got her master’s degree in education at Tufts University and eventually landed at Lynnfield High School, where she worked as the school librarian for 25 years. The school is about a 40-minute drive from MHS, where she worked as the school librarian for 25 years.

Unfortunately, Alpert was forced to leave LHS after numerous school committee meetings resulted in budget cuts. On the bright side, Alpert began a new chapter here, thanks in part to her former LHS colleague and current MHS Athletic Director Michael Bierwirth.

MHS is twice the size of Lynnfield High School and, as Alpert said, “it’s not easy being the new kid.” But thanks to the teachers, especially those on the third floor, and the students, who Alpert said, “have been super friendly and kind to me” she has been able to both find her way and to feel welcomed.

In her own words, Alpert’s goal has been to make our Library Media Center  “welcoming, inclusive, and very representative of the students” and staff of MHS by laying out books just like a bookstore, and by working with teachers to set up relevant displays. So far, she has worked to set up inviting “Book Tok” and “Hispanic Heritage Month” themed displays.

Alpert is also planning on teaming up with Ms. Chandler-Blood, who teaches various fine arts classes, to write a grant that will hopefully allow for the creation of areas where student artwork can be regularly exhibited and rotated.

All in all, she believes "the most important thing is just making people feel comfortable and everything else will kind of fall into place.” Especially today, she explained that “with all of the chaos in general all over the world, I think that kindness and empathy are extremely important.”

Alpert recognizes that her role is about teaching both students and teachers how to process, evaluate, and regulate the information they are receiving “with social media and biased news on every side.” In a world where most people rely on their high-tech phones instead of hard-copy books, she thinks the job of a Library Media Specialist is still relevant today to assist everyone at MHS with continuously evaluating information and using critical thinking.

So, make sure to stop, and take a look at some of the detailed displays, hang a picture of your pet up on the “Pets Caught Reading Bulletin” Board, and ask for some advice on finding relevant information from this 80s Pac Man Champ and kind library media specialist.