Hope Kasten may bear the title of media specialist, but step into her world at Salem Community High School, and you’ll quickly realize she’s anything but typical. For Hope, who holds a master’s degree in Library and Information Sciences, her job is about much more than shelving books—it’s about making connections, sparking imaginations, and transforming lives through the power of storytelling.

“I’ve always been a bookworm,” Hope confesses with a laugh, recalling how she would lug around books larger than some of her classmates’ entire backpacks in elementary school. “I was determined to finish Little Women by the end of second grade.” That early love for books wasn’t just a passing phase—it shaped the course of her life, leading her into a career where she could pass on that passion to future generations.

In her role as a media specialist at the High School, Hope has the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between students, books, and their learning journeys. “What I love most,” she says, “is connecting students with stories that not only entertain them but also help them cope or grow in some way.” For Hope, the library isn’t just a place to check out books—it’s a sanctuary, a place where students can discover new worlds and find solace in difficult times.

Her influence doesn’t stop with the students, though. Hope is equally committed to collaborating with teachers. “I get to work with some amazing teachers here,” she explains, “and together, we create activities that bring books to life.” Whether it’s hosting reading challenges or organizing creative projects, Salem Community High School’s media center has become a hub of collaboration and innovation.

Hope’s journey to becoming the school’s literary hero didn’t happen overnight. Before arriving at Salem, Hope worked in several other school districts, honing her craft and building her reputation as a dynamic educator. She’s come a long way from her hometown of Hoffman, where her love of reading was nurtured by her parents and teachers like Mrs. Cindy Spenner, who first showed her how books could change lives.

“When I think back to my 5th and 6th-grade years, I remember how Mrs. Spenner would read aloud to us in class,” Hope recalls. “She made reading exciting and gave us the freedom to read what we wanted. It was in those moments that I realized the power of a good book.”

Today, Hope carries that lesson forward as she strives to make reading a joyful experience for her students. But she’s also quick to share the credit. “I couldn’t do this alone,” she insists. “We have an amazing English department that really works with me to get kids into the library, not just to check out books but to participate in activities that make reading fun.”

As SCHS students continue to put the disruptions of recent years further in the rearview mirror, Hope sees the library as playing a crucial role in helping students get back on track and make new progress. “We’ve been through a lot, but now it’s about moving forward and making up for lost time. The library is a safe place for students to come and explore, to find something that inspires them, and to help them navigate the world around them.”

For Hope, it’s all about leaving a lasting impact on her students, one story at a time. “If I can help a student find a book that changes the way they see the world, or recognize their own potential, then I’ve done my job,” she says with a smile. “That’s what it’s all about.”