SHARING THE MAGIC

Just before 8:30 a.m., the sun-filled library at Fargo’s Washington Elementary School is still. The shelves brim with picture books and first readers, adventure novels and biographies. The child-sized tables are cleared off and ready for the next project. The computer room hums softly, waiting for little researchers.

The first students trickle in, laughing with friends, carrying armloads of books. They set yesterday’s books on the circulation counter, smile at librarian Anita Syvertson and wander to their favorite shelves.

More students arrive, fitting in a quick library trip before their first class. Syvertson and assistant librarian Susan Kiser ask the students about their families, a new haircut, a trip to the YMCA. They check out all their books without asking for names. They know them – and not just their names. They know each child, from their reading level to their interests.

“Anita truly cares about all of the students at Washington,” said fifth-grade teacher Char Burgraff, who has worked with Syvertson for 21 years. “She creates a welcoming and positive environment that has become the nucleus of our school. Students and teachers feel comfortable there. It reminds me of a small town café where everyone is welcome. The relationships she develops with the students help her to recommend books that she believes they will enjoy.”

It all helps Syverton cultivate a lifelong love of reading in others.

“To me, books are magical,” she said. “We read for information, inspiration, comfort and, of course, entertainment, all of which enriches our lives. My family valued reading. Bedtime stories, visits to the library and books received as gifts all added to the magic. I was the kid who loved libraries so much I used to play library as a child. I became a librarian because I wanted to share that magic.”

This spring, Syvertson, 60, retires after 39 years as a Fargo Public Schools librarian. She worked 26 of those years at the Washington library, the very same library she visited as a child. More than 2,000 Kindergarten through fifth graders (two generations) have walked through her doors, learned how to research a topic, discovered a favorite author, enjoyed reading challenges and listened to inspiring stories.

“When I think of elementary school, I think of the library and how Mrs. Syvertson made my love for reading grow,” said Pippa Robinson, a sophomore at Fargo North High School. “I could never thank her enough for giving me so many great memories. When I think about how much enthusiasm she has for books, it makes me desire to have that much enthusiasm for something in my life.”

Martha Semanko, a senior at Fargo North, was similarly inspired.

“Mrs. Syvertson not only helped me to learn to love reading, but I think she really impacted my education as a whole,” she said. “She was always there to help out with whatever necessary and she really helped me to love school and learning, as well as reading.”

During those decades as a librarian, Syvertson and her husband, Jim, also poured a love of reading into their own three children. Their sons became teachers and their daughter works as a librarian at Fargo’s Lewis and Clark Elementary School.

“My mom always suggested I might enjoy a career as a librarian,” said daughter Rachel Lacher. “But like any good daughter, I didn’t really listen. One day, it just hit me that she might be onto something.”

As a librarian, fostering a love for reading isn’t always easy. Some kids struggle to learn and technology competes for their attention more each year. Syverston encourages reading through fun story times, frequent library hours, genuine interest in the students and a wide selection of books. She makes sure to shelve plenty of shorter, appealing books for reluctant readers, like graphic novels and illustrated books like “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.”

“Often a student will spend a few years on these high interest/reluctant reader books and then finally latch onto a series they love,” Syvertson said. “All of a sudden, they have become a reader.”

Syvertson also builds up reading excitement through monthly book talks for third- through fifth-graders. After reading several books each month, she chooses her favorites of various reading levels and presents them to the students.

“The students are so excited to hear about the books I have selected,” Syverston said. “I learned early on that I could only share books that I have read and loved. Students know when you haven’t read the book and then it’s a really hard sell.”

Kiser says the students trust Syvertson and look to her for guidance.

“Her book talks make the pages of books and genres come alive,” Kiser said. “Her passion for sharing a love of reading helps students to discover the new worlds and stories that are waiting for them.”

Though she’ll miss the library, her students and her colleagues, Syvertson looks forward to retirement. She’ll visit her mother in Arizona, spend many a summer morning reading by the fireplace at her cabin in northern Minnesota, and pick up her grandkids from school each day in Fargo. Chances are, she’ll take them to the library.

“Reading isn’t an end to itself,” she said. “It adds a depth to your life in the same way that art and music do. Life is richer when we enjoy art, music and literature.”

[AWM]