Davidson Elementary’s Jennifer Williams has been named School Librarian of the Year by the Greater Kansas City Association of School Librarians.

Students cheered, “We love you!” as Williams was surprised with the honor during a recent all-school assembly. She was surrounded by GKCASL members, her students and her family.

“I was both surprised and deeply honored. I have had the privilege of serving as a librarian for 10 years with North Kansas City Schools,” Williams said. “For the past three years, I have been a full-time librarian at Davidson, and it is truly my home. My heart belongs to this school, and I love greeting our students as they enter the library each morning. Instilling a love of reading in our students fills my teacher’s heart with joy and purpose.”

Williams has also worked at other elementary schools within the district including Davidson, Maplewood, Winnwood, and Oakwood Manor. In the district press release, Williams said she is grateful to work with many talented library professionals in the district and thanked Davidson Principal Andrea Stauch for her unwavering support which has been instrumental in the success of the school’s library programs.

Williams is described as “a true champion of literacy, captivating young learners with her storytelling magic – complete with unique voices for every character.”

Williams has also served on Missouri state library Show Me Award and literacy committees.