Regional Librarian recognized at Stiles Point Elementary

Cooper named Lowcountry Regional Librarian of the Year  

Leslie Cooper, the teacher-librarian at Stiles Point Elementary School, was named the Lowcountry Regional Librarian of the Year on December 11, 2024, by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL). Loni Lewis, current SCASL School Librarian of the Year, presented the surprise certificate and flowers.

Cooper has been a teacher-librarian for 14 years and has served in that capacity at Stiles Point for 11 years. Cooper said she was honored to be nominated by her peers who have noticed what she does and appreciate the effort she puts in to make readers out of every student. She has built a library at Stiles Point that students want to come to.

“I intentionally created a library that is fun, stimulating, and welcoming,” said Cooper. “It is also a place where students can do research, find a quiet spot to read, discover their next favorite book, or calm down and lose themselves in their imaginations.”

“We are thrilled to celebrate Leslie Cooper as the Lowcountry Librarian of the Year,” said Principal Shannon McAlister. “This well-deserved recognition highlights her passion, creativity, and tireless dedication to fostering a love of reading and learning in our students.”

Jennifer Thrift (Charles Pinckney Elementary School) and Katherine Freigh (Mary Ford Elementary School) are two other district recipients of this regional honor.

Cooper will now compete against three other regional winners for the title of 2024 South Carolina Librarian of the Year, which will be announced in March.

Lewis said she is excited for Cooper who will travel the state presenting to peers, teaching and learning, and representing the profession, overall.

“Mrs. Cooper’s efforts to integrate technology, encourage literacy, and create a fun media center environment have inspired students and staff alike,” added McAlister. “We are so proud to have Mrs. Cooper on our team and grateful for the countless ways she enriches the educational experience at Stiles Point. Her recognition as Lowcountry Librarian of the Year reflects her exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Cooper said she is looking forward to the year ahead, representing Lowcountry teacher-librarians.

“I am standing on the shoulders of all those excellent librarians that I have observed and learned from and I will continue to strive to do what they did for me by mentoring the next generation of teacher librarians, said Cooper. “I am honored to serve in this role.”

For more information, contact Shannon McAlister at (843) 762-2767.