April 16, 2026
April is School Library Month and High School Librarian Stephanie Byrne invited Yaa Yaa Whaley-Williams to deliver an abridged version of the keynote she presented at a conference Ms. Byrne attended in last October at “Fall Into Books.”
Ms. Whaley-Williams is the owner of “Sadie's Bookseum,” the first Black-owned bookstore in Orange County. She has over 20 years in education, beginning as a math teacher in Brooklyn and she has led schools across New York City and the Hudson Valley. She is a first-generation college graduate with degrees from Brown and Pace universities, and is the host of the “UNtenured Podcast.”
“We worked together years ago when she was a district administrator for the Monticello Central School District,” said Ms. Bryne. “Since we reconnected in October, we have been planning a visit for her to speak with Minisink students.”
Students who come to the library often, or are voracious readers, and other students recognized by teachers as being book lovers were sent invitations to the event to attend either the morning or afternoon session. The invitation asked students what books “built them,” meaning what books impacted their lives up to this point. They ranged from Bill Martin, Jr.’s and John Archambault’s “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” to John Steinbeck's “East of Eden.” Students were also asked to reflect on an artifact that would represent them in a museum case, an item that embodies their identity.
The list of artifacts shared by attendees were made into a collage of all their answers which was used to open dialogue about the items during the presentation.
Students were inspired by the message of keeping their "Spine Strong" literally, in their body, and figuratively, reading books.
"All the books we read are a way to build ourselves, shield ourselves, empower ourselves, and enrich ourselves,” said Ms. Bryne. “We were all ‘spine stronger’ after the huddle and we hope to plan more events in the future.”
Slogans like” UnApologetic Bookworm,” “Powered by Pages,” and "Ask me about a book that built me" were buttons students took away with them!
THANK YOU to Ms. Whaley-Williams for visiting and sharing her knowledge!
Ms. Whaley-Williams is the owner of “Sadie's Bookseum,” the first Black-owned bookstore in Orange County. She has over 20 years in education, beginning as a math teacher in Brooklyn and she has led schools across New York City and the Hudson Valley. She is a first-generation college graduate with degrees from Brown and Pace universities, and is the host of the “UNtenured Podcast.”
“We worked together years ago when she was a district administrator for the Monticello Central School District,” said Ms. Bryne. “Since we reconnected in October, we have been planning a visit for her to speak with Minisink students.”
Students who come to the library often, or are voracious readers, and other students recognized by teachers as being book lovers were sent invitations to the event to attend either the morning or afternoon session. The invitation asked students what books “built them,” meaning what books impacted their lives up to this point. They ranged from Bill Martin, Jr.’s and John Archambault’s “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” to John Steinbeck's “East of Eden.” Students were also asked to reflect on an artifact that would represent them in a museum case, an item that embodies their identity.
The list of artifacts shared by attendees were made into a collage of all their answers which was used to open dialogue about the items during the presentation.
Students were inspired by the message of keeping their "Spine Strong" literally, in their body, and figuratively, reading books.
"All the books we read are a way to build ourselves, shield ourselves, empower ourselves, and enrich ourselves,” said Ms. Bryne. “We were all ‘spine stronger’ after the huddle and we hope to plan more events in the future.”
Slogans like” UnApologetic Bookworm,” “Powered by Pages,” and "Ask me about a book that built me" were buttons students took away with them!
THANK YOU to Ms. Whaley-Williams for visiting and sharing her knowledge!