At Richland Elementary School, the library is a space where imagination grows, confidence builds, and every student is reminded they have a story worth telling. Leading that vision is librarian Patricia Lockhart, whose passion for literacy is transforming how students experience reading and writing across all grade levels.  

“I absolutely love it,” Mrs. Lockhart said. “The library has always been my love and my passion.” With 17 years in education and a background that includes classroom teaching and school leadership, Mrs. Lockhart returned to her first love, the library, bringing fresh energy and innovative ideas to Richland in her first year. 

Inside the Richland library, students do more than read. They write, create, and collaborate. One of the school’s biggest accomplishments this year was a schoolwide publishing project, where students in kindergarten through fifth grade worked together to write and publish their own books, complete with illustrations.  

“I want the students to realize that you don’t just have to read stories; you also have a story to tell,” Mrs. Lockhart said. The project strengthened writing skills while reinforcing classroom instruction, giving students a sense of pride as their finished books returned to campus fully bound and ready to share with families. 

Mrs. Lockhart is intentional about how students engage with books. While traditional reading levels provide guidance, she encourages students to explore beyond them. “If a student wants a book above their level, I let them try,” she said. “That challenge builds confidence and shows them they can do more.” To spark curiosity, she also introduced “book tastings,” an interactive experience where students explore a variety of genres in a café-style setting. From nonfiction topics to poetry and biographies, students are exposed to books they may have never picked up on their own. 

Another standout feature of Richland’s library program is its student-led approach. Through the “library managers” program, fourth- and fifth-grade students apply for leadership roles where they help run daily operations, organize materials, and even make purchasing decisions. This year, Mrs. Lockhart expanded the program to 20 students, giving them real responsibility, including managing a budget to enhance the library space. “They purchased furniture and created an environment that feels welcoming for everyone,” she said. The impact goes beyond organization, though. Students who once showed little interest in reading are now engaging more naturally. “If they’re exposed to reading in a way that connects to who they are, they’re going to read,” Mrs. Lockhart said. 

From kindergarten story time to upper-grade novel studies, Mrs. Lockhart carefully tailors the library experience to meet students where they are. Younger students build foundational skills through read-alouds and sight word practice, while older students develop critical thinking through journaling, creative writing, and independent reading.

One surprising discovery this year is that even older students still enjoy being read to. “Never underestimate the desire for a child to be read to,” Mrs. Lockhart said. During National Library Month, Mrs. Lockhart hopes families and educators see the library as more than a resource. She sees it as a partner in student success. “Every child is a reader,” she said. “They just haven’t found the way they like to read yet.”  

From closed captioning on television to following recipes at home, she encourages families to recognize that reading happens in many forms and should be nurtured daily. For teachers, her message is just as clear: the library can reinforce and extend classroom learning in ways that meet every student’s needs. Mrs. Lockhart’s impact reaches far beyond the walls of Richland Elementary. As a newly selected member of the Memphis Library Foundation Board, she continues to advocate for literacy across the community. Inside her school, that same passion is on full display, shaping a library where students feel inspired, supported, and excited to learn.  

Across Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), stories like this reflect the District’s ongoing commitment to literacy, student voice, and whole-child learning. As MSCS continues to prioritize strong academic foundations and meaningful learning experiences, programs like Richland’s library serve as powerful examples of how schools are equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to write their own path to success. 

If you have a story about a MSCS student, teacher, or school to highlight, please email us at communications@scsk12.org. Include the school name, story details, and an SCSK12.ORG email for follow-up.