Feel Good Story: Holiday Stories Fill the Library With Joy at GLJHS

Feel Good Story: Holiday Stories Fill the Library With Joy at GLJHS

Each December, the library at Grand Lakes Junior High transforms into a warm, joyful space filled with laughter, curiosity, and the magic of storytelling. It’s all part of a cherished tradition known as Holiday Book Stories with Guest Readers—a celebration that has quickly become one of the most anticipated events on campus.

Librarian Janet Green, who introduced the tradition three years ago, says her inspiration was simple: bring students and staff together through the joy of reading.

“I started Holiday Guest Reading to spread the love of reading, especially during the festive holiday season,” she shared. “I also felt the importance for the students to see our Admin/Leadership teams share their love of reading as well, and to allow the students to see everyone in a different role.”

Each year, members of the GLJHS Leadership Team select a holiday story to read aloud—sometimes a favorite from their own family traditions, other times chosen from the library’s wide seasonal collection. 

“Everyone is given the opportunity to select a favorite holiday story of their own… or they may choose from a large selection of holiday books I have available,” Green explained.

As RLA teachers and their classes make their way to the library, students settle in to listen—often surprised to see their Principal, Assistant Principals, Counselors, and other campus leaders take on the role of storyteller. 

For brand-new Principal Jackie Santos, this shift in perspective is part of what makes the experience so meaningful.

“Our Holiday Book Stories event brings everyone together in such an authentic way,” Santos said. “Students see our Leadership Team step into a different role, which helps break down barriers and strengthens relationships. It creates a shared moment of joy and connection that reminds us that we’re all part of one school family.”

The event’s impact extends far beyond the library walls. The collaboration between the librarian and RLA teachers plays a key role in strengthening literacy across the campus.

“Partnering with Ms. Green and the RLA team reinforces our belief that literacy is at the heart of every student’s success,” Santos shared. “By connecting the Leadership Team, the Library, and the Classroom, we create a shared experience that supports our campus BE GOLD Core Values—especially the G: Grow Together.”

Inside the library, the joy is quite evident.

“It makes my librarian heart happy to see the students engaged and listening attentively,” Green said. “The students love hearing personal stories about what the book means to the reader. And when they cheer enthusiastically at the end, it’s truly heartwarming.”

These moments not only nurture community—they help spark a deeper love of reading.

“At the junior high level, it can be tough to keep students excited about reading… That’s why this event is so special,” Santos added. “When students see campus leaders laughing at characters or sharing why a story matters to them, it reminds them that reading isn’t just homework—it’s something to enjoy and connect over.”

Both Green and Santos agree: at its core, Holiday Book Stories is about connection. It brings together students, staff, and leaders to share a story, a laugh, and a moment of true belonging—especially during a busy season.

“Traditions like this remind our students and staff that our school is a place where belonging, connection, and kindness thrive,” Santos said. “It offers a moment to pause, laugh, and enjoy a good story together.”

And as students grow and eventually move beyond junior high, Santos hopes the memories stay with them.

“We hope they remember the feeling—they remember us laughing with them, being silly with them. We hope they remember how reading brings people together and how stories make us feel inspired and seen.”

In the end, Holiday Book Stories has become more than an event—it’s a celebration of community, literacy, and the joy found in shared storytelling. It’s a reminder that at Grand Lakes Junior High, books don’t just teach lessons—they build connections, strengthen relationships, and create memories that last long after the final chapter.