When RRLC went to French Road Elementary School Library to take photos and shoot video, the library was abuzz with discussion and classes, and no one stood still long enough for us to get a photo!  Classes came in and out, students checked out books, participated in class word games, showed us how to use the computer to look for a book, and even found a quiet corner with a bean chair to start reading.  We saw why everyone loves FRES library and librarian Andrea Koch!

“We were impressed with the variety of people that sent nominations – and lengthy ones at that! Students, teachers, parents, and volunteers all were grateful for the work of the library and the librarian in making the library a center of reading, literacy and learning,” said Todd Butler, Executive Director of the Ad Council of Rochester. Fellow judge Marcia Eggleston, NYLA President and herself a school librarian in Massena, New York agreed. “The librarian in an elementary school _is_ the library and that certainly is proven at FRES with Andrea Koch!”

Asked what she does that makes FRES Library loved so much, Librarian Andrea Koch said, “It’s all about service and trying to provide what teachers, staff members, students and families need.  Just do that with a smile and you’re rewarded with much more back.”

Principal Tom Hall he sees the library as a center of the school.  As an educator he knows the value of reading: “…Everything is about taking information off the page and understanding and doing something with it. It’s one of the most critical things we can do, to get kids at grade-level reading before they go to middle school.”

The Library at French Road Elementary School is beloved by students, teachers, and parents alike. “Our school library rocks!” says Jason, a FRES 5th grader.

Take a photo tour and watch the video of our day at the Library at French Road Elementary School.






Congratulations, Andrea and the staff and students of the French Road Elementary School Library!

The library will receive a $100 gift card, an engraved plaque and a banner to hang in the library.  The library and its staff will be honored at the RRLC Annual Meeting, June 2 at Casa Larga.