“Here, I can help you with that.”
Ms. Sunny Dennis presents a warm and welcoming face to students entering the North Kingstown High School Media Center. As the center’s new librarian, she delights in being able to see so many different students throughout the day — offering them help in a variety of ways, including giving and receiving loaner Chromebooks, finding and recommending books and resources, and assisting in printing and copying. “I just love helping people,” Dennis said.
Helping others is not the only reason why she finds joy in being a librarian. She has always possessed a love of books and reading, and described the library environment as a place where she feels peaceful and at home. “My mom would bring me to the library growing up every week,” she recalled. She most enjoys reading realistic fiction books that are especially well-written. “The writing is what draws me into a story,” she said. “Along with good character development and an interesting plot.”
Dennis received her Masters in Library Science at the University of Kentucky, and became certified to work in schools at URI, before working in public libraries, Forest Park Elementary and Fishing Cove Elementary, and most recently, Wickford Middle School. In addition to being Wickford’s librarian, she taught a STEAM class, a library skills class, and was involved in Project Lead the Way, which explored computer science and coding for innovators.
She is excited to be at NK and noted that “everyone has been so friendly and welcoming. I feel so welcome here.”
Outside of school, Dennis loves running, going on hikes, and being outdoors. She says that nature is very important to her, which is why she loves living in Rhode Island, with the ocean nearby and plenty of space for her 11 chickens, two ducks, two cats, and two dogs. She is passionate about cooking, food, and experimenting with new recipes, and also enjoys playing tennis and listening to music, especially Chappell Roan.
A major goal she has for this year is to improve the library environment. She wants to add things like puzzles, books, and games, to make the Media Center a fun, comfortable space for students. “I want the students to feel welcome in the library. I want it to be a place they want to spend time in.”
