In the heart of Horizon Elementary School’s library, a quiet revolution was brewing, led by none other than librarian extraordinaire, Elijah Olson. Little did he know that his dedication to fostering a love for reading and literacy in his community would soon catapult him into the spotlight.
Olson was recently honored as one of eight All-Star Librarians selected from across the nation. His journey to recognition began when his colleague, Jerel Thomas, nominated him for the prestigious award. "I was very honored to even be nominated, never expected to win," Olson humbly expressed upon receiving the news of his selection.
Who is the mastermind behind this celebration of literary champions? None other than Jeff Kinney, the #1 International Bestselling Author of the beloved Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series. Kinney, recognizing the invaluable contributions of librarians like Olson, orchestrated an unforgettable weekend in Boston as a token of appreciation.
From June 7 to 9, 2024, Olson and his fellow librarian luminaries were treated to an all-expenses-paid extravaganza in the historic city of Boston. The itinerary overflowed with excitement and adventure, including a Duck Tour of Boston’s iconic landmarks, a stroll along the Freedom Trail led by a spirited guide embodying Crispus Attucks, and an exploration of the hallowed halls of the Boston Public Library.
However, the highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the visit to Kinney’s whimsical bookstore, An Unlikely Story, where Olson handpicked treasures to enrich the shelves of Horizon Elementary’s library. As if that wasn’t thrilling enough, the librarians were granted exclusive access to Kinney’s personal studio, where the magic of the Wimpy Kid series comes to life.
Amidst laughter and camaraderie, the librarians engaged in a spirited book quiz show, with Olson proudly claiming victory as part of the winning team. Reflecting on his experience, Olson remarked, "There are so many great librarians throughout the country doing brilliant things to support students and their communities."
Grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with his dedicated team at Kent School District libraries, Olson is eager to share his newfound inspiration with his students. "The Diary of a Wimpy Kid books are fun, accessible, and relatable to lots of kids," he noted, emphasizing the importance of encouraging diverse reading interests among young learners.
As Elijah Olson returns to Horizon Elementary, he carries with him not just memories of a remarkable weekend, but a renewed passion for literacy and a profound appreciation for the transformative power of storytelling. With every page turned and every imagination ignited, Olson continues to champion the joy of reading, ensuring that the spirit of adventure lives on in the hearts and minds of his students.