20 years ago, when Virginia Miller began working as a librarian at Roy Elementary, Paul Puzey, the Principal at the time, gave her some wise words of wisdom, “Make the library a safe and peaceful place.” Miller says, “Those words have been the foundation of my career.”
Total, she has spent 10 years as a librarian at Roy Elementary and 10 years at Lomond View Elementary where she will retire in May.
“I felt like Lomond View had the same similarities as Roy. I feel I have worked at two of the finest schools in Weber District.”
When I asked Miller, what is something unique about her librarian job at Lomond View, she lit up and said, “The storytelling!”
With a smile she says, “I have really put efforts into creating and running well the storytelling in this school.” Yet, she acknowledges that it isn’t a one-man show; it takes everyone’s help.
Kevin Chase, former principal at Lomond View Elementary, was very supportive of the storytelling idea. And as Miller puts it, “It just blossomed while I was here.”
Student storytelling is where students in 4th-6th grades are given the occasion to create a 3-5-minute story. They then edit their story and practice it often from September until December. The students also work on getting their voice and posture just right. Then, the storytelling battle/judging takes place in December at Lomond View.
Miller says some students choose stories that have already been written but they must give credit to the author. However, most students have written their own story.
The storytelling students are asked to stand up and share their story. To stand in front of an audience takes a lot of courage. Grandparents, parents, judges, the principal and Mrs. Miller are all present to listen.
Three judges come, who are outside of the area. There is a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner and each are awarded crowns but all are given certificates plus their own t-shirt with a Weber State University Logo.
Miller says, “I have had, at most, 20 student storytellers. It’s a lot of work and they have to be dedicated.”
She adds that, “When you’re a storyteller, you can tell your story over and over again and it’s never the same. Some dress up but most of the time they are their best visual aid using their voice, their facial expressions and their body language. They sell the story!”
Student storytellers are given the chance to perform for Dr. Seuss day in March. Four of them were also able to perform at the Weber State University Storytelling Festival in February.
Each year Miller comes up with themes throughout the whole school to keep the kids engaged in reading. A few examples are: The Western theme, Sports theme, Wild About Books, the Sweet Read, Reading Around the World, and more.
“Every time I pick a theme people just come together!”
A dream of Miller’s is to join the Storytelling Guild here in Northern Utah and work on her storytelling. “I would love to keep helping students fall in love with storytelling.”
When it comes to retirement Miller was choked up when saying, “I’m going to miss all the hugs and the-- “Mrs. Miller, I love that story!” Also, the comradery with the faculty.”
Miller plans to make trips to Lava where she has property. Also, she says, “I’d like to spend more time with my grandchildren and be an active participant in their activities. And, of course, be with the love of my life, my husband, Pete.”
You know librarians LOVE to read, so I had to ask Virginia what her top favorite books are. She was able to narrow it down to two: Boys Without Names (a chapter book) and Albert (a picture book).
Mrs. Miller will be greatly missed but she says, “I couldn’t go out on a higher note!”
