The new school year brought a new media specialist, Shaina Ray. Her goal is to create a warm and welcoming environment for everyone who steps into the media center.

Assistant Media Specialist Diana Brown said Ray always creates a supportive and positive atmosphere.

“She is always willing to help and offers a seemingly endless supply of patience for any situation,” Brown said.

Senior Isabella Hannon clicked with Ray instantly.

“She always knows what I need, even if I don’t even know myself,” Hannon said.

To maintain an inviting space in the media center, Ray said it starts with the staff.

“Most of that starts with us and how we make students feel when they come here,” she said.

Ray got to work quickly, adding new books, TVs with Wii consoles, puzzles and card games. These changes have created a welcoming atmosphere, making the library less like a room of books and more like a place where every student can find something they love.

To keep students engaged in reading, Ray continues to add books students want, expand the eBook collection with fiction, and provide audiobooks so people can listen anytime, anywhere.

Ray’s husband, Guidance Counselor Jarrod Ray, is also on faculty. Both said the first few weeks of school have been so busy they have hardly seen each other, but Shaina added it is nice knowing he is always nearby.

Looking ahead, Ray hopes to build a stronger culture of reading at Chapman. She plans to incorporate book clubs and encourage adults in the building to emphasize how important books are to young adults’ education.

“I hope students feel loved, safe and welcome when they walk in the door,” Ray said.