New Librarian Brings Diverse Resume To Sharon High

The library shelves and their new caretaker have something in common.

Lots of adventures.

New Librarian Cathy Collins began her career as a newspaper reporter. There, she learned yoga as a stress reducer -- and ultimately became a certified yoga teacher. She also teaches folk and ethnic dance.

Collins arrived at Sharon High in February, succeeding Joseph Buffardi, who retired Jan. 31.

She says she interviewed for the post during a snowstorm by Skype after returning to the U.S. from another adventure -- in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Collins spent last semester there as a library and technology teacher in a private American-run school.

"That was a fantastic adventure," says Collins, a librarian for the past 14 years, in Amesbury, Manchester/Essex and Beverly.

"I've always loved traveling, so that had been on my bucket list for many years. I was fortunate to be able to have had that opportunity in my career."

SHARON PATCH: What was that school like?

CATHY COLLINS: I wanted to experience what it would be like living in a completely different culture.

The Nepalese people are very warm and friendly. There's a wonderful co-existence of many religious groups. Spirituality permeates their everyday life. Festivals and celebrations are part of the fabric of that society. I loved being part of that.

SHARON PATCH: What are some of your goals here?

CATHY COLLINS: Number one, to develop strong working relationships and to collaborate with teachers on upcoming research projects.

Technology is a huge part of what I'm interested in.

I'm in the process of creating a virtual library for our school community. It will include links to research projects, databases and other information sources, as well as it will include technology how-tos for teachers, book reviews. 

It's going to be a work in progress.

Helping to integrate technology and research skills into the curriculum, that's my main goal.

I'm fascinated about the potential of new technologies to positively impact student achievement and to engage students in real-life learning.

Also, you don't become a librarian unless you also have a strong love of reading and the pure joy of learning for learning's sake.

I'm a pretty well-rounded librarian, so I'm looking forward to working with our health teacher. I've been chatting with her about teaching some yoga to students, to help with that area.

SHARON PATCH: What's it like coming into a library in the middle of a year?

CATHY COLLINS: I've found the staff and the students to be overwhelmingly welcoming and knowledgeable and approachable.

I can already tell that Sharon is a special place, and I'm genuinely happy to be here and to be able to contribute to the school community.

Mid-year is a little bit more challenging, but I'm the kind of person who enjoys a challenge. I think because I felt such a warm welcome from everyone, I'm enjoying just jumping into the chaos.