TWU alumna named top 10 librarian in US

Feb. 25, 2020 – DENTON – The American Library Association has recognized Texas Woman’s alumna Tracie Walker-Reed (BS ’90, MLS ’07) as one of only 10 librarians nationwide for its annual I Love My Librarian! Award. The award recognizes lasting contributions of dynamic librarians working in public, school, community college and university libraries.

Walker-Reed was selected for her dedication to making tutoring available for at-risk and low-income students as well as providing accessible technology and digital literacy information for families of students at H. Grady Spruce High School in Dallas.

“This is such an honor,” said Walker-Reed. “It is confirmation that I am meeting the needs of my campus community which is very important to me.”

Walker-Reed was credited for creating a culture of literacy at Spruce High School by focusing on details and big picture issues. Under her guidance, the library extended hours to provide space and opportunity for students to receive tutoring, some of whom she tutored herself. Additionally, she has been known to walk a student throughout the entire library to find the one book that may spark an interest in reading.

Walker-Reed also has opened the library to students and their families for college readiness workshops and extended library services to the community.

In her role as the library media specialist, Walker-Reed champions literacy, inclusion and accessibility for her students. She seeks feedback from students for literature they want to read so she can obtain those titles. Walker-Reed’s efforts to foster a love for reading expanded the library’s collection to include books of wide-ranging interests, genres and reading levels.

Among her other duties, Walker-Reed assists staff and faculty with technology, co-teaches, heads committees and sponsors clubs, organizations and student committees.

She credits her time in the School of Library Information Studies at TWU for preparing her to advocate for library programming and resources to ensure patrons’ needs can be met. 

Page last updated 9:47 AM, February 27, 2020