My name is Laura Spoelstra and I have been the Paralibrarian at Williams since 2001.  I love books and reading and I want to share that love with all our students.  My goal is to show kids that reading is FUN!

I was born in Des Moines, Iowa and originally attended Iowa State University, majoring in History. I finished a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences from Franklin University in 2023.  I have lived in San Jose since 1982. My family includes a husband, two adult children (plus a daughter-in-law),  three tanks of tropical fish, Daisy Dog, Cinnamon Guinea Pig, Phoenix Bearded Dragon (who visited WIlliams in 2024 - see Phoenix Visits Williams) and Squirtle Turtle (who visited Williams in 2018 and 2022!  see  Squirtle Visits Williams)  and of course lots and lots of books!  My favorite hobby is reading (of course!) and I also enjoy singing in the San Jose Symphonic Choir (singing backup for Barbra Streisand in 2012!) and performing with Pioneer High School's Glue Factory Players. In May 2017 I achieved a life-long goal of appearing as a contestant on Jeopardy!  

On May 15, 2023, Williams hosted Gill, a Service Dog in Training, with his friends Shari, Ellie, and Jenna. 

Story Time is my favorite part of the day in the library! Whether it's reading old classics like "Green Eggs and Ham"  or new favorites like "Click! Clack! Boo!"  I want to share my love of reading while encouraging our kids to "make the movie" in their heads. Helping students to find that "just right book" and watching their faces when they've found it is the best part of my day.

You can find the Library Catalog at  Williams Library Catalog/Destiny Discover   and see what books and other resources are available for our students.

Contact me at lspoelstra@sjusd.org