Owsley County Schools Celebrates Librarians for Expanding Student Access, Literacy

For students at Owsley County Elementary School and Owsley County High School, the school library is often the most reliable place to print a document, access a research database, or get hands-on help with digital tools. The Owsley County School District marked School Librarian Appreciation Day on April 6 by calling on families and staff to recognize the work those librarians do every school day.

District curriculum and literacy coach Megan Bowling posted the notice on the district's Live Feed, urging the community to celebrate the day and acknowledging the librarians' direct contributions to student and staff success. The post was part of a series of staff appreciation notices published during the first week of April 2026.

The role of a school librarian in a small rural district extends well beyond cataloging books. At OCES and OCHS, that work includes coordinating digital literacy skills, guiding students through academic research, collaborating with classroom teachers on instruction, and connecting families with reading and learning programs they might not otherwise find. For families without consistent home internet access, the school library functions as the district's most accessible technology hub.

Families wanting to connect with those resources have a few direct options this week. Students with a school email address can request a Kentucky Virtual Library username from their school librarian or through the Kentucky Virtual Library directly, which unlocks access to academic databases, ebooks, and research tools usable all year, including over summer break. For additional in-person support, the Owsley County Public Library at 2 Medical Plaza in Booneville is reachable at (606) 593-5700. For questions specific to school library programs, including hours and upcoming events such as the district-organized library scavenger hunts noted on the Live Feed, contact Owsley County School District at (606) 593-6363.

The district's appreciation post is part of a broader push to make school support services visible to families and to strengthen ties between those staff members and the Booneville community they serve.