After 14 years of guiding students through the maze of databases, troubleshooting Chromebook issues and supplying students with endless books, Rosemary Rich, our adored librarian, is finally checking out—not a book, but from the halls of West Essex High School. With her deep love for research and her curious nature, Rich has fostered a sense of community and has made the library a center for learning, inquiry and connection.
Because she doesn’t have specific classes and doesn’t see particular students every day, Rich reflects on how the library has helped her get to know different students.
“I see students less and less, but I do see them in the library, you know, for whatever they need, whether it’s a book, a Chromebook or lunch,” Rich said.
Rich grew up living in Glen Ridge, attending a Catholic school until her junior year, when she switched to Glen Ridge High School. After graduating, she began working full time and attended Montclair State University at night. She later attended Rutgers University, where she earned her master’s degree in library science (MLIS).
Being a librarian was not her only career. Her first job was in banking, and her career revolved around business. Additionally, she worked for United Airlines in their marketing department, often travelling all over with them. She began working in the education field after having kids. After getting involved in their elementary school library, Rich quickly realized that teaching research and getting kids to love to read was her passion.
“I love working with kids and seeing where their interests are and teaching them about information, because it’s such an important piece of our lives right now: information, misinformation, all of that,” Rich said. “It’s trying to help people discern what’s real and what isn’t. So it’s a real skill, and even I question stuff that I look up.”
She would describe her teaching style as practical, hoping to get students immersed in their research. Her goal is to teach them the efficient methodology to explore databases and keyword search through Google. She believes that research is an important skill and something that prepares students for their future endeavors.
“Whether it’s the academic side or the personal side, I always use the example of medical information, which can be so confusing, especially if you’re looking up things for, say, a family member, and you’re emotional about it,” Rich said. “Somebody has a diagnosis, and you want to make sure you have all the information. Using that discerning, questioning attitude towards information will help you find, whether it’s on Google or academic databases, the right information.”
After retirement, Rich has many plans for how she will spend her summer and next year, one involving her beloved family. Rich has three grown daughters and three grandchildren, one of whom is named Rosie after her. She hopes to spend more time with them in her free time after retirement. Additionally, Rich plans to travel to Martha’s Vineyard the first week of September to visit her sister. She is excited for less packed beaches and no waits at restaurants, because the summer crowds will be gone. She also hopes to revisit Ireland with her two sisters in late September/October.
And, of course, she plans to read in her days of retirement. Rich said she never goes to bed without a book in her hand. Her favorite genre to read is historical fiction, one of the many genres of books our library holds. She loves classic books such as “Pride and Prejudice,” making Jane Austen her favorite author of all time. Many of her favorite stories revolve around the plight of women.
Being a part of a family of nine, books were always Rich’s escape. She was able to explore new opportunities and live through character storylines.
“It was very noisy in the house, so reading was my total escape, and it just brought me places that I never would have found out about, since there was no internet,” Rich said. “I just remember books taking me places that I said, ‘Oh, that would be a great place to go,’ like Thailand. Families didn’t travel like that, especially if you had nine children.”
Following Rich’s retirement, Steve Thompson will be filling Rich’s shoes as the new librarian. Rich said he will be great, for he is experienced and loves to read. He is currently working at West Orange High School, and ironically is sitting in Rich’s old seat. Rich used to work at West Orange High School before coming to West Essex.
To encourage a smooth transition, Rich has worked very closely with Thompson to prepare him for all the duties. She has organized numerous Google Docs and has created lists of things he should know. She is leaving behind a legacy and wants to offer Thompson some advice, but unfortunately, she has to retire her reputation as the “Chromebook queen.”
“I’m going to give up my crown as the Chromebook queen and give it to him, and he’ll be the new Chromebook king, or maybe Prince,” Rich said. “But you know, the other piece is that, and I’m sure he understands this, being a high school librarian, is that the library is the central kind of hub where all departments, all kids, can come and just be who they are.”
She also wants him to make the library his own, just like Rich did, and she wants students to always remember to be curious and expand their thoughts.
“Because everything is TikTok, just learn to put it away and just be curious about something,” Rich said. “Even if TikTok gives you something that you’re curious about, go seek. You’re driving your own curiosity.”
