Jesse Braun, a teacher-librarian at Beverly Vista Middle School, was awarded the I Love My Librarian award. (photo courtesy of BHUSD)

Unlike some subjects, which students may never use again after graduation, information literacy is a skill that will be tested daily for the rest of their lives. Jesse Braun, a teacher-librarian at Beverly Vista Middle School, has worked tirelessly to make information literacy a core part of the middle school curriculum. For his efforts, Braun will be honored as a recipient of the American Library Association’s prestigious I Love My Librarian Award on Jan. 23.

“Middle school is a key moment for most kids, when their sophistication reaches the point where they can begin to make reliable independent judgments about sources, and cultivate foundational information literacy skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives,” Braun said. “Without developing these skills, kids can be left rudderless in a growing sea of misinformation and disinformation.”

The Beverly Vista PTA nominated Braun for the award, which recognizes 10 librarians nationally each year for outstanding public service.

The ALA will honor Braun for going above and beyond in his role, even through the COVID-19 pandemic. The award recognizes Braun’s creativity, passion and expertise. From offering access to digital programs and materials to organizing safe, contactless circulation of library resources Braun has made a profound impact on students – he even volunteered as part of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine trial and kept BHUSD students and teachers informed about the vaccine research process.

Since the I Love My Librarian Award was established, only 120 librarians nationally have received this honor. Braun, a congenital amputee, will be the first significantly physically handicapped recipient of the award.

For information, visit bhusd.org.