Meet The Library Whisperer: Ms. O'Connell

Ms.Katherine O’Connell is our precious school librarian, who pours her heart and soul in her work with a strong sense of integrity. Since childhood, she wanted to become a  veterinarian but her love for books, sparked by her mother and grandmother, never got lost. Today, with 22 years of librarian experience, including 9 years in Hillcrest High School, it's needless to say that she has compassion for where she is and what she does. She is of Irish descent and her grandparents migrated from Ireland to NYC in the 1920s because of poverty and job scarcity in Ireland.

As a librarian, she is dedicated to creating a welcoming space for kids to discover their joy of reading. Her desire for books and stories increases her spirit to work as a librarian, where she connects kids with captivating stories.

She is a person with a warm nature, an adaptable and very approachable personality who is always willing to lend a helping hand or to listen attentively to anyone who is in need. She is open minded and an expressive individual who is not afraid to ask for help and learn from her mistakes. Though tough decisions do put her at a rough place, she always finds a way forward.

Her favorite day of the week? Hosting the book club where thought provoking conversation and shared passion for books is held and it's her ideal thing to look forward to.

Her love for literature is highlighted in her exquisite taste in books. Her preferred book is "The Little Prince”, a timeless classic, which explores the human connection in a phenomenal way. Beyond being a librarian, she has a passion for hiking, gardening, and rescuing animals including several cats and rabbits. She also embarked on a solo sailing adventure last summer where she sailed the boat into the harbor by herself. Her admiration for her family is showcased in her favorite holiday which is Thanksgiving. Asking her an interesting question: “If there is any historical figure you could meet who would it be?” led to a reply that was “I would like to dine with Oscar Wilde because he is a brilliant writer, who faced a lot of personal challenges but still had a witty personality.”