Whenever a student asks Elk Grove librarian Dawn Ferencz for a book recommendation, she almost always considers that student’s needs.

“If visual support is key or preferred, then I might recommend a graphic novel,” she said in an email. “If a reader is more successful when they can hear and see the text, then we might encourage the student to listen to the audiobook while they read.”

Ferencz is the sponsor of Elk Grove High School’s book club, and she supports a wide range of students with a variety of accommodations and accessibility for all students.

“I think that books can be a source of joy and education for all readers,” Ferencz said. “One way to start is to think about what sources of support a reader might need and to make sure we provide them.”  

Ferencz says that books with short chapters or surprising plot twists provide engagement while others she might recommend reading the book digitally so students can use tools like the dictionary.

At book club, Ferencz makes an effort to be inclusive by incorporating a wide range of activities that engage all students such as bookish crafts, discussions, and author visits.

And also, snacks.

“We have had a wonderful year with the book club so far, with lots of fun meetings coming up this semester,” Ferencz said. “We are looking forward to unboxing book orders, participating in the Festival of Cultures, and enjoying many bookish crafts and conversations.”

Ferencz’s passion for reading stems from her background as a reader and a teacher.

“My parents read to me when I was little, but as soon as I could read to myself, I have always had a book in my hand,” she said. “The first book I remember being able to read to myself was Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein.”

Ferencz also had dreams of owning a bookstore as a child but she wanted to create her own space that is welcoming for young readers.

“School and public libraries have always been a haven for me, so I loved the idea of creating a space like the librarians before me had done,” Ferencz, who has worked 10 years in the library at Elk Grove, said.

Ferencz shares some tips on how she paces herself while reading and the strategies she uses to get through so many books.

“Between working here in the library, using my public library, and having digital access through the Sora app to ebooks and audiobooks, I feel like I have so many ways to read a book and options of books to read,” she says. “I hope that students will use the access we have, either physical or digital, to make sure they always have a book when they need one, too.”

In order for students to become a better reader, Ferencz says she encourages students to read in the format they prefer.

“All reading is reading,” Ferencz said. “I am so glad that our library can provide different types of books for lots of different types of readers.”