Hyde Park Elementary School's library is more than a room full of books—it's a vibrant hub of discovery, joy, and lifelong learning. At the heart of this imaginative space is Robin Bryce, a passionate and visionary librarian who has just been honored with the 2025 Vermont School Library Association (VSLA) Service Award. The recognition not only celebrates Robin's outstanding work in her own school community but also highlights her contributions to the broader field of school librarianship in Vermont.
A Journey of Dedication and Discovery
Robin began her journey with Lamoille North in 2001 and has served in various roles—from technology assistant to full-time librarian—across multiple schools, including Cambridge Elementary School and Waterville Elementary School. In 2017, she began her tenure at Hyde Park Elementary School (HPES) during the school's time in the plaza while a major renovation project was underway on the HPES building. The "library" consisted of little more than a closet while the school operated in the Plaza. Her creative spirit and relentless drive helped her transform even the most modest spaces into rich environments for learning.
Today, Robin proudly calls Hyde Park her "forever home," a place she describes with deep affection and joy. With its sweeping mountain views and carefully curated collections, the renovated library reflects her vision: a dynamic space where students feel welcome, engaged, and empowered.
A Champion of Student-Centered Learning
Robin's philosophy is simple yet profound: students need access to books, eyes on print, and opportunities to share. With these principles in mind, she has transformed the Hyde Park library into an accessible, inclusive, and inspiring space. She has expanded the graphic novel collection, reorganized genres for intuitive browsing, and cultivated a space where students—from early readers to middle-grade bookworms—can explore stories that spark curiosity and joy.
Robin's own love of reading was born out of a personal struggle with literacy as a child. Today, she brings empathy and intention to every interaction, believing that "if someone hasn't found the right book, it's out there waiting." Whether helping a reluctant reader find their first favorite story or guiding sixth graders in digital citizenship, Robin approaches each moment with purpose and care.
Building a Statewide Legacy of Mentorship
The VSLA Service Award also recognizes Robin's instrumental role in developing Vermont's statewide school library mentorship program. Understanding the critical need for support among new and novice librarians, Robin collaborated with leaders from the University of Vermont and VSLA to launch a formal mentorship initiative—first funded through a grant from the Vermont chapter of the National Education Association (VTNEA) and now sustained through the coordination of Robin and her peers.
She has helped match dozens of mentor-mentee pairs across the state, curated resources, and ensured that school librarians—especially those in small or rural schools—have a professional support network to lean on. In 2025, she singlehandedly managed the program, a testament to her commitment to the profession and the sustainability of strong school libraries.
A Vision for the Future of School Libraries
Robin is a modern school librarian in every sense. Beyond promoting a love of reading, she delivers a robust curriculum that includes digital citizenship, copyright education, research skills, and more. She's also a leader in inter-library collaboration across the district, using innovative library systems like OPALS to share books and expand access for all students.
Her advocacy has been instrumental in implementing a district-wide Library Selection Policy, ensuring that intellectual freedom and the right to read are protected and upheld. "Knowledge is power," she says, and she believes in offering students access to information, the freedom to choose, and the excitement to explore.
A Legacy of Joyful Service
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Robin Bryce is how deeply she finds joy in service. "All the hats I wear are in service roles," she says, reflecting on her transition from a career in business to a life centered around students and stories. Her humility, generosity, and warmth are felt in every shelf she organizes, every program she supports, and every student she inspires. Her work radiates far beyond the walls of Hyde Park Elementary, touching the lives of colleagues and learners throughout Vermont.