After working in the school library business for 16 years, Kim Mora had reason to be excited during the summer.

She earned her first head librarian job when she was hired as the new librarian at Montgomery County High School.

“I’m very excited to have my own library,” Mora said.

Mora came from the Wentzville School District, where she worked at Holt High School. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in library science at the University of Central Missouri.

Mora said she fell in love with the library when she started her library career at Wentzville.

“I loved consuming books and I loved researching books,” said Mora, who started as a history teacher before switching to libraries. “It’s the perfect amount of time for me to work with kids. A teacher has to be able to do that long term in and out and day after day.”

Now, Mora’s mission is to help bring a passion for reading to the students at MCHS.

“I have been trying to introduce the kids to the importance of a library by talking about the freedom it gives us. how important it was with our founding fathers that we have access to information and that the ability to get information is the ability to learn and grow and have your own ideas,” Mora said. “I’m trying to convince them that if you’re a reader, you’re a rebel.”

Mora took over librarian duties for April McCown, who retired after the 2023-24 school year.

“I have big shoes to fill because Mrs. McCown was so involved with the community and she was so active,” Mora said. “So when she left, it kind of left a void. I’m hoping I’ll fill some of it.”

On the first day of school on Aug. 20, Mora had many duties, such as learning how to operate the Chromebooks.

“I think every year, I get the impression that it’s kind of a madhouse in those first couple of days,” said Mora, whose official day as librarian was July 1. “That has been put to rest. Now, we’re back to just normal. I’m starting to have classes come in and I talk to them about books.”

Mora said after a month, she enjoys working with the students at the library.

“I really think the kids here are spectacular,” Mora said. “Coming from a little more city-ish, I see some of the manners and courteousness that I would see when we were younger and I don’t always see that the closer you get to the city. The small population helps. The teachers are very attentive to the students. I have found everyone very supportive.”

Mora said for the rest of the year, she wants to build a collection that would interest the students and collaborate ideas with the teachers and administrators.

“Every principal uses a librarian differently,” said Mora, who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in education at Lindenwood University. “Different schools want different things. I have my vision. Now, I need to find out what Montgomery County High School wants from me, also.”