Not-so-quiet library

LITTLE ROCK — Visitors to Hot Springs High School will find no "Quiet" signs posted in the school library. In fact, laughter - and even music - could be heard from the library during a reporter's visit.

Stony Evans, librarian, or media specialist as they are now called, was presenting a program on black musicians as a tribute during Black History Month. The sounds of Duke Ellington and Quincy Jones, along with several other artists, wafted down the stairs of the library, which is located in a loft area, into a common area located just outside the cafeteria. The live jazz music was presented by Evans, who plays the saxophone, and a few of his friends, who had gathered to perform as a combo.

"I try to make the library a fun place," said Evans, who is in his first year as a media specialist. "I try to draw students into the library."

High School Principal Jim Gentry,said, "He's got the kids excited about reading. He's written grants, and received grants, for the library.

"He's a former band director with more than 10 years' service," Gentry said.

Evans taught band at Bismarck Middle School for 11 1/2 years and "helped at the highschool," he said. He also was junior high band director at Malvern Junior High School for three years.

Evans has a bachelor's degree in music from Ouachita Baptist University and a master's degree in music education from the University of Central Arkansas. He is now working on a master's degree in library science through UCA. Evans is also a member of the Arkansas National Guard and the 106th Army Band.

"This job came open last year, and I decidedto apply," said Gentry, who lives in Bismarck. "My wife, Cindy, teaches in the Hot Springs School District, too."

Evans said he is gradually trying to build the library's selection of young adult fiction. "I take requests for new books," he explained. "I also check with other media specialists to see what the top 10 books are.

"We also watch book trailers to see what books may spark student interest," he said. "On Election Day in November, the students voted for their favorite books. One hundred and seven students voluntarily came up and registered for prizes. We got a lot of students into the library who might not have come up here otherwise."

Evans said he also staged a game, where "if a student were caught reading," he took their photo and posted it. "That was a lot of fun," he said.

Evans said interest in the library, and in reading, continues to grow at Hot Springs High School. "Kids will bring me books and say, 'Hey, read this, Mr. Evans.'"

Evans is hoping for a budget increase for the library next year. "We only have two computers in the library, and I'm going to ask for more," he said.

Tri-Lakes, Pages 60 on 04/16/2009