Norman Public Schools -

Brittany Love, the librarian at Lincoln Elementary School, may not be originally from Oklahoma, but her journey to Norman Public Schools has been one filled with purpose and dedication to education. While she initially chose to spend a few years working in a different district, the opportunity to join the Norman library community was one she couldn't pass up. She’s now been a part of the district for four years, making an impact on hundreds of students at Lincoln.

Before making her mark in Norman, Brittany worked at Council Grove Elementary School in the Western Heights District. Her path to becoming a librarian wasn’t a straight line, but a winding journey shaped by her love for learning. Brittany's undergraduate studies focused on education with a discipline in music and a minor in the subject, and she later pursued a master's degree in Library and Information Studies from the University of Oklahoma. Her passion for teaching began with an early desire to help others discover and pursue their dreams. While music and even medicine were early career goals, Brittany found her true calling in education, particularly in the library field.

"I always wanted to help others pursue their dreams and passions," Brittany shared. "Whether it was through teaching music or originally aiming to be a teaching doctor, I knew I wanted to help students find their love for learning."

Her transition to the role of librarian came from a deep love for books and a desire to instill that same love in others. But it’s not just about books for Brittany—it's about creating a space where students can explore their interests, build creativity, and engage with technology. The concept of the "makerspace" and guided inquiry helped Brittany realize that the library is so much more than just a place for reading; it’s a place for learning in all forms, whether it's through technology, building projects, or creative expression.

"I shifted to becoming a librarian because I knew I loved books and wanted to encourage other children to have a love of reading as well," Brittany explained. "But it's not just about books anymore—it's about technology, building, creating, and helping students bring their ideas to life."

As a librarian, Brittany cherishes the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with every student at Lincoln. Unlike being confined to a single classroom of 20-25 students, she has the chance to connect with 300 students—each one with unique interests and stories. This broad reach has made Brittany’s role particularly special, allowing her to be a positive influence on a large scale.

"My favorite part of being a librarian is that I get to build relationships with every student in my school," Brittany shared. "Instead of being in the classroom with just my 20-25 students, now I get to love 300 students dearly and build lasting relationships with them."

Being named a district Teacher of the Year finalist has been a humbling experience for Brittany. She is proud and honored to be recognized by her peers and is grateful for the opportunity to represent the library profession within Norman Public Schools. For her, it’s not just a personal accolade; it’s a chance to advocate for the importance of libraries in education.

"Being a district Teacher of the Year finalist means a lot to me. It's such a great honor, and I'm proud to represent Norman and the library field," Brittany said.

Outside of school, Brittany has a variety of passions. She enjoys cooking, building Lego sets, and playing volleyball—both beach and indoor. She also loves taking walks with her husband and their Basenji dog, Link. Brittany and her husband, who moved to Oklahoma with her on a whim, have been married for seven years. Their adventurous spirit has kept them close, even as they continue to build a life in Oklahoma, far from their families in Pennsylvania.

"I came to Oklahoma through Teach for America, and my husband moved here with me on a whim—he didn't have a job lined up either," Brittany laughed. "We were really starting from scratch, but it’s been an adventure, and we love it."

Brittany is deeply committed to the library position she holds and the vital role libraries play in education. She emphasizes that libraries are crucial to the learning process, providing students with access to information they might not find elsewhere. She wants the community to understand that the library is not just about reading books; it’s a place where students can grow, explore, and develop the skills they need to become lifelong learners.

"We are crucial to the learning process. Without libraries and librarians, our students would lack access to information they might not get outside of the library," Brittany explained. "We're really trying to create a love of learning and reading in students."

One of Brittany’s favorite ways to connect students with books is by tapping into their personal interests. Whether it’s a movie they’ve watched or a video game they’ve recently played, she uses those connections to recommend books that will resonate with them. For example, when a student asked for a book similar to the TV show Wednesday, Brittany found a spooky, yet age-appropriate recommendation—Nightmare Before Christmas—to match the student’s interests.

"When a student asked for a Wednesday book, I knew they wanted something dark and spooky but not too scary," Brittany explained. "So I recommended Nightmare Before Christmas because it has the same dark humor and vibe without being too much."

Despite her own dislike for scary books, Brittany makes it a point to introduce students to different genres, helping them explore what they like while making connections between what they enjoy and what they can read. She knows that it’s not just about reading—it’s about fostering a love of learning and making reading fun.

"I don't read scary books, but I always tell students, 'This might be scary for me, but it might not be for you,'" Brittany laughed. "It's about encouraging them to try new things and helping them find what they love."

Brittany has found that building relationships with students is just as important as the books she introduces them to. She strives to be open and honest with her students, sharing her own feelings and challenges so they know it’s okay to express themselves. This authenticity has helped her form bonds of trust, making her library a welcoming and safe space for all students.

"Building those relationships with students is key. If you’re honest and real with them, they can tell. They appreciate that you're open and they feel safe to share with you," Brittany said.

In her four years at Lincoln, Brittany has witnessed the joy and excitement of her students as they develop a love for reading, explore new ideas, and gain confidence in their learning. Her dedication to her students and her role as a librarian has made a lasting impact on the Lincoln Elementary community.