Amy Parente
Librarian

Role
As the school librarian, my goal is to foster a love of reading and teach students vital literacy skills to help them navigate the wealth of information available to them. I love to assist students with not only finding books that they are interested in, but also discovering new reads that surprise and challenge them. Most of all, I am passionate about teaching students to be kind, caring, and curious about their world.

Professional Background
I graduated from The George Washington University with a double Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology and a minor in Dance. I worked for the Graduate School of Education and Human Development at GW and was so inspired by the faculty that I chose to go back to school and earn my Master’s in Elementary Education from GW as well. After graduating, I taught 1st grade for 6 years in Fairfax County at Spring Hill Elementary. In 2004 I had my first son and was able to transition into an inspiring role as a mentor to beginning teachers for FCPS. After 8 years of mentoring, my youngest son entered kindergarten and I returned to the classroom to teach 2nd grade at Claremont Immersion where I spent the last 6 years. Throughout most of my teaching career, I had always dreamed of becoming a librarian and decided to go back to school to earn my Library Media Specialist endorsement from UVA. I am thrilled to be joining the ATS staff as the school librarian this year!

Personal Interests
I am originally from New York (Long Island) and have always loved the beach! Being on the beach with a book is one of my happiest places! I live in Arlington with my amazing husband and two sons –  one in high school and one in middle school. During our down time we love to read, hike, bike, try new food, and play with our adorable dog Roo. I have recently discovered the inspiring practice of mindfulness and try to incorporate it into every aspect of my life.

Literary Connection 
For as long as I can remember, I have ALWAYS loved being in the library. As a child, I would walk through the stacks wide-eyed, carefully selecting a stack of books so high that I could hardly carry them to check out. It is so difficult for me to pick a favorite book, but I would have to say that I adore the Harry Potter series. Not only is it magical in every sense of the word, but I feel it created a revolution in reading causing more children (and adults) to become inspired and engaged in reading and left them wanting more! I am amazed with J.K. Rowling’s ability to create such a full, imaginative world with inventive language, settings, and complex, deep characters who inspire deep emotions in us as readers! I love the series so much, I’ve read all 7 books several times over and I always find them engaging and fun!