Suzanne Miller teaches reading is fundamental

Suzanne Miller teaches reading is fundamental

By Ivette Fernandez

Always wanting to be surrounded by books, Suzanne Miller knew at the age of 10 that she wanted to be a librarian.

After graduating from Palmetto High School, she attended Florida State and obtained her degree to become a state librarian. She worked in South Carolina for one year, but returned to Miami-Dade County where she worked at five different schools, mostly elementary, before settling at Gulfstream Elementary.

At Gulfstream Elementary they work under the motto, "The library is never closed." Students are welcomed to come by any time. Miller and her staff help students with the Internet, locating books, and research. They also select books for reading time.

What distinguishes Miller as a librarian is that she actually reads the book.

"I cannot recommend a book to a child that I have not read. How could you?"

She speaks enthusiastically about many of the young reader titles.

As much as she loves her job, her biggest challenge, like in many schools, is funding.

"You know, there is a big push in this country to read, but the average book cost is $15.95. We end up having to find creative ways to get books."

One way people can help is to donate books that are in good condition.

"One parent donated a whole series of Dr. Seuss books once his daughter was done with them. I was very happy to take them," she says.

There also is a shortage of magazines such as National Geographic that would be educational and of interest to children.

"Sometimes I have bought them at garage sales. When people learn it is for an elementary school, they are happy to donate them."

Born and raised in Pinecrest, she attended all of the local schools and feels very close the area.

"It is a great place to live, convenient to everything and still nice and quiet," she said.

Miller is involved in the program that selects the "Sunshine State’s 15 Best Books Selected By Librarians." The students read the books and vote on their favorite.

The following list contains the title and author of the books for parents who appreciate the importance of reading with their children and the joy that comes from it. The books are appropriate for children from grades 3 to 5.

To donate books or magazines, contact Suzanne Miller at the Gulfstream Elementary School library at 305-234-4826.

Sunshine State’s

15 Best

Books Selected By Librarians

1. -101 Ways to Bug Your Parents, by Lee Wardlaw

2. -The Best School Year Ever, by Barbara Robinson

3. -Circle of Love, by Joan Lowery Nixon

4. Family Tree, by Katherine Ayers

5. Frindle, by Andrew Clements

6. -Happily Ever After, by Anna Quindlen

7. -The In-Between Days, by Eve Bunting

8. Losers, Inc., by Claudia Mills