As National Library Week winds down, the Queen Creek Unified School District is honoring a longtime librarian.

Gloria Chavez, librarian at Newell Barney College Prep, has been with QCUSD since 1970 — long before the town of Queen Creek was founded and when there was only one brick school building, according to a district press release.

After 56 years, Chavez is set to retire this year.

Chavez’s journey with the district began as a kindergarten aide. From there, she helped with ticket lunches and eventually found her way to Newell Barney College Prep as a media assistant. She has a love for every student who walks through her doors.

“I enjoy the students talking to each other, laughing. Some will do their homework and ask, ‘Can you help me? ‘Sure. I will help with whatever I can,’” Chavez stated in the release.

For Chavez, reading is the foundation of all education.

“If you don't know how to read, it’s difficult to do anything else in life,” she stated.  “I tell students that they need to take books. I don't care if it is an easy book or a book you can finish in one day and bring back tomorrow. You can get another book as long as you keep reading.”

She also takes the time to find student-requested books that may not be currently available at the school’s library. She asks students about their interests and works to fill those gaps.

To further encourage reading, she often shares one of her favorite book series, “A Series of Unfortunate Events.”

 “Sometimes, we’ll read it together. To me, that’s important. If they see me reading, they will read too,” she stated.

For her contributions to QCUSD and Newell Barney College Prep, the library at the school has been named in her honor.

 “I have worked for the district forever, and I have never regretted it. In the 56 years I’ve been here, I’ve worked with many principals, and each one has supported me throughout it all. That’s why I’ve stayed here so long,” Chavez stated. “I love it here, and while it’s bittersweet to be retiring, I will miss it deeply.”