When author Celesta Rimington visited Countryside Elementary, she met with students to share insights about writing and participated in the school’s student book club lunch. During their meeting, students discussed favorite books, shared recommendations, and talked about the value of stories for imagination and connection.
Rimington maintained contact with librarian Stephanie Fidler after her visit. Two years later, Rimington included Countryside students in her upcoming book scheduled for release in 2026, reflecting on her positive experience at Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS). The Countryside student book club continues to operate as a space for reading and collaboration among students.
The school’s culture of reading is supported by librarian Stephanie Fidler along with teachers and administrators who encourage opportunities for student growth as readers and thinkers. The event had a lasting impact on participating students, who have since moved on to middle school but continue to influence the school community through their enthusiasm for literature. Their involvement in reading and discussion helped them build critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that align with the LCPS Instructional Framework.
This outcome underscores the importance of literacy programs in schools and highlights the role librarians play in supporting student learning. By introducing both fiction and nonfiction works, libraries help foster a love of reading and develop essential skills needed inside and outside classrooms.
