At Lafayette Elementary School, the library is a space where curiosity blossoms, imagination thrives, and the love of learning grows stronger each day. Guiding that growth is Marisol Ramos, Library and Multi-Media paraprofessional, whose compassion and commitment have helped make the library one of the most welcoming and inspiring places in the school.
Marisol was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Puerto Rico from the age of two. The blend of cultures she grew up in has shaped her appreciation for diversity and the beauty of learning from others’ experiences. Growing up surrounded by the island’s natural beauty and deep sense of community instilled in her a lifelong love of connection and culture. She is one of six siblings and often credits her upbringing for shaping her values of family, humility, and service to others. Today, those values continue to guide her work at Lafayette, where she has proudly served for eight years, all in the same role that she has made her own.
Marisol’s roots with the School District of Lancaster run deep. Both of her children attended SDoL schools, and her eldest now works within the district while pursuing a degree in counseling. “I am proud to be part of a district that values diversity and education,” Marisol said. “My family’s story has grown alongside the district’s story.” Married for 26 years, she finds strength in her family’s love and sees her students as an extension of that family.
Each day, Marisol steps into the library before the first bell rings, ensuring everything is in order and ready to welcome the day’s young explorers. Her responsibilities stretch far beyond checking books in and out. She helps students find stories that speak to them, assists teachers with specialized book requests, repairs damaged materials, laminates classroom resources, and keeps the library organized and inviting. She also carves out time every morning for students who wish to read quietly before class, a routine that has become a treasured part of the school day.
“A typical day involves helping students find books full of adventure that inspire them to love reading,” Marisol explained. “My goal every day is to create a library where students can explore new ideas and discover the joy of reading.”
Her dedication has transformed Lafayette’s library into one of the most active in the district. During the 2024–2025 school year, Lafayette Elementary was recognized as the number one school for book circulation, with students checking out more than 17,000 titles. The school was also ranked among the top three for best book returns, a sign that students not only engage with their reading materials but take responsibility for caring for them.
These achievements were the result of Marisol’s diligence and passion. Her enthusiasm for reading has inspired teachers, families, and students alike. “This accomplishment shows how much our school community values learning,” Marisol shared. “When students are excited about reading, it opens their minds and builds confidence. It reminds me why I love what I do.”
Marisol’s favorite part of her job is seeing students grow. She describes the joy she feels when a student who once hesitated to pick up a book begins to visit the library with enthusiasm. “They inspire me every day,” she said. “They often surprise me with notes, drawings, or hugs. Some even call me ‘The Library Teacher,’ which fills my heart knowing that I am making a difference in their learning journey.”
While her professional path began in a different field, Marisol earned a degree in Pharmacy in 2000, she has no regrets about where life has led her. “Pharmacy and library work might seem worlds apart, but both require care, precision, and a desire to help others,” she said. “Working in the library has never felt like a job. It is something I have loved since day one.”
Her connection to the library extends beyond books. To Marisol, the library is a microcosm of the world, a meeting place of cultures, ideas, and dreams. She sees it as a reflection of the district’s diversity and a place where every student can feel seen and valued. “What I love most about working for this district is its diversity,” she said. “Each student carries a story that deserves to be heard. The library allows those stories to come alive through books and imagination.”
Marisol’s faith is another cornerstone of her life and work. It reminds her to approach each day with patience, purpose, and gratitude. “My faith inspires me to continue growing and giving my best every day,” she shared. “Every child who walks into the library carries a story waiting to be written, and I have the privilege of helping them find the words that will shape their future.”
One of Marisol’s favorite memories speaks to that belief. A student once came to the library uninterested in reading. Patiently, she worked with him to find a book that matched his curiosity. When he finally discovered one that captured his imagination, something changed. “He came back to me later and said, ‘Thank you for helping me realize that I enjoy reading,’” she recalled. “Moments like that remind me why I do this work. They are proof that one book can open an entire world.”
Outside of school, Marisol enjoys planting, singing, and reading. She has recently begun learning to play the piano, adding another creative outlet to her life. Whether she is tending to a garden or arranging books on the shelves, her love for nurturing growth remains constant.
Marisol Ramos is a bridge between stories and students, a source of warmth and inspiration, and a reminder that the love of reading can open endless doors. Through her daily acts of care and her deep belief in the power of books, she continues to make Lafayette a place where learning feels alive and where every student knows that they belong. Thank you for all that you do and all that you are, we appreciate you Marisol!