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The spring sun has finally arrived, and at Kapowsin Elementary that means Amy Dalin’s library is on the move. 

While some might picture a library as a place of hushed silence and heavy curtains, Dalin prefers a bit of "controlled chaos" and the fresh air of the Pacific Northwest.

Dalin is in her second year as a teacher librarian, but her journey to Bethel began in a very different setting. After graduating from WSU with a biology degree and working as a nursing assistant, she realized her true calling lay in the classroom. She spent three years as a high school science teacher before finding her home in the library. This shift was fueled by a desire to reconnect students with the joy of discovery through pages rather than just lab reports.

“It’s incredible to see these kids grow and get excited about books," Dalin said. "That’s why I became a librarian. I saw a lot of kids just not being excited about books and I was like, that’s what I want to do. I want them to love reading.”

Her inspiration stems from a family legacy of teaching and the impact of her own high school mentor. He was a steady presence for her during difficult times, and she strives to be that same "rock" for her students today. Whether she is leading the Battle of the Books team or helping students dig into the school’s garden club, her focus is always on fostering growth.

As the weather warms, Dalin often trades the bookshelves for the school grounds, proving that literacy doesn't have to be a sedentary indoor activity.

“We like to take the kids outside to read sometimes when it’s really beautiful," Dalin said. "We have bins of books and I'm like, let’s just go out, sit down on the ground and enjoy some sunshine and read some books.”

By bringing stories into the sunlight, Dalin is ensuring that her students don't just learn to read, but learn to love the experience of getting lost in a great book.