The Thinkering Voices series continues with a conversation that hits at the soul of education—the school library. But not just the library itself. The librarian. The human who keeps the door open, the books relevant, the space inclusive, and the learning truly personal.
In this episode, Jim McGuire sits down with Jennifer Sturge, a lifelong library advocate, professional learning leader, and passionate champion for inclusive, student-centered learning. What starts as a story about a bookmark contest becomes a deep exploration of policy, equity, and what happens when you invest in the people who keep a school’s heart beating.
A Bookmark and a Beginning
Jennifer traces her love for libraries back to age 7, when she won a local bookmark contest. Her winning phrase?
“All for one, all for free libraries.”
Her mom framed it. Jennifer never forgot it. From that spark grew a career that now influences thousands of students, educators, and fellow librarians—and a voice that speaks clearly about what’s at stake when schools cut library staff.
She didn’t start in the library, though. She began as a special education teacher, driven by a passion to support learners holistically. But it was the realization that librarians could impact every student in a school that pulled her into this path.
Why Librarians Matter—Now More Than Ever
Jennifer is clear: you can’t have a library without a librarian. But in too many districts, that’s exactly what’s happening.
“Philadelphia hasn’t had school librarians since 2008,” she notes. “And they’ve been fighting ever since to bring them back.”
The consequences are real. Students lose access to:
Guided literacy and research skills
A trusted adult not tied to discipline or grading
A safe place to simply belong
“The library was where kids went who didn’t quite fit in. It’s the soul of the school. And the vibe of a school often starts there.”
In her advocacy work, Jennifer has seen the power of grassroots efforts—parents organizing, community members speaking up, even state code changes to preserve library roles. But it’s not enough to react. It’s time to proactively protect this critical role.
The Makerspace Dream
When asked what her “dream project” would be, Jennifer doesn’t hesitate:
“A real makerspace in every library in the district. Podcasting gear, creative tools—everything kids need to explore.”
She’s inspired by how quickly students—and even teachers—flock to creative studio environments when given the chance. These aren’t just STEM labs. They’re equity engines, designed to:
Restore agency
Encourage curiosity
Make learning joyful again
And in Jennifer’s vision, they’re not add-ons. They’re core infrastructure.
Professional Learning with Purpose
Jennifer doesn’t just advocate—she organizes. As a leader in professional development for librarians, she pushes for training that’s hands-on, relevant, and joyful.
“It’s not about PD that checks a box. It’s about building connection and competence—and leaving energized.”
From author keynotes to idea labs, Jennifer helps run conferences where librarians can connect, learn, and expand what’s possible in their own buildings. And when she talks about that hallway moment—where you see someone you’ve only known through a screen and scream in recognition—it’s not just a detail. It’s a symbol of what’s being lost in isolation, and what we gain through community.
What’s at Stake
Perhaps the most sobering moment in the conversation comes when Jennifer reflects on the disconnect between generations:
“Everyone from our generation had a school librarian. But now, so many kids don’t—and their parents don’t even realize it.”
If the next generation grows up without that space, without that mentor, without that trust—what else disappears?
This isn’t nostalgia. It’s policy. And it’s people. And it’s urgent.
Let’s Do Something About It
At Thinkering Collective, we believe that humanizing learning starts with investing in the humans doing the work. That includes librarians.
That includes Jennifer.
That includes you.
Join the Movement
📌 Apply or Nominate for the Thinkering Fellowship:
🗞️ Follow stories like Jennifer’s at:
thinkeringmedia.substack.com
🎙️ Help bring makerspaces and creative studios to more school libraries.
Donate today: givebutter.com/thinkeringcollective
Because every school deserves a librarian.
And every student deserves a place to belong.
Let’s Thinker forward—together.
