RAPID CITY, SD – Inside Rapid City Area Schools, the role of a school librarian has grown far beyond bookshelves, blending technology, teaching and personal connection to help students find their place in learning.

Shelley Rath, a middle school librarian at West Middle School, said her path into education was shaped by her own early struggles with reading. Growing up in a family where her parents were unable to help with schoolwork, she said it was a librarian who changed everything. “Somebody took the time to steer me to books that I just fell in love with and I became a reader after that,” Rath said.

Today, she works to create those same moments for students, often through one on one conversations and book recommendations. Rath said the most rewarding part of her job comes from those small interactions, especially when students return excited about what they have read. “When they come back after you’ve given them that recommendation and they absolutely love what you picked for them,” she said.

The job has changed significantly over the years, with librarians now taking on a wide range of responsibilities beyond managing books. Rath collaborates with teachers, supports research lessons, teaches students how to evaluate information, and helps them navigate online sources. She also manages student devices, a role that has become a major part of her daily work and often requires troubleshooting technology throughout the day.

At the same time, she has seen a shift in how students engage with reading. Rath said many students are used to fast paced content and short bursts of information, which has affected their reading stamina. “They want things quick,” she said, explaining that longer books can feel overwhelming to some students.

Even with those challenges, interest in reading continues when students are given the chance to explore what they enjoy. Rath said graphic novels, rom coms and well known series remain popular, while personalized recommendations help students discover new genres.

Access to books remains an important issue, with some students not having books at home. Rath described parts of the community as a “book desert,” making school libraries and community programs essential in providing opportunities for students to read and learn.

She also leads a book club where students choose what they read and meet regularly, creating a space that goes beyond academics. Rath said those conversations often turn into meaningful connections, helping students feel more confident and engaged.

Her message to students is rooted in the impact reading can have over time. “It opens doors,” Rath said. “It should be about lifelong learning and just the love of exploration.”

In Rapid City, educators say supporting reading is a shared effort between schools, families and the community. When students are given access to books and encouraged to explore their interests, it helps build confidence, connection and a stronger future for everyone.