Tess Williams, Primary Librarian, has been working at American International School for seven years. She’s passionate about finding books for every student (and parent), and providing opportunities for reading outside the library!
1. As you picture your library at the start of the year, what’s one small display, routine, or welcoming touch you’re excited to have ready for students?
One of my favorite ways to spark curiosity is through the monthly calendar display outside the library. Each month, I highlight fun and meaningful days—from Chocolate Chip Day to World Oceans Day—and pair them with books from our collection, like From Cocoa Bean to Chocolate by Robin Nelson.
It’s always a joy to watch our younger students stop to point excitedly at the book covers they want to read, knowing we can get those books into their hands almost immediately. The display has become a simple but effective way to celebrate everyday moments while gently reminding students and teachers of the wonderful stories and resources waiting for them in our library.
2. What’s a simple program, idea, or initiative you’re planning for those first few weeks to help students get comfortable in the library?
Our school will open with a new primary library this year, and I am super excited to share all of our newness with our students! We will have scavenger hunts to find our new sections, vote on our favorite new chair and spaces, and choose our favorite back-to-school book!
My hope is that every student walks into our new library feeling welcomed, excited, and eager to explore. More than just a room full of books, I want it to become a place where students discover new stories, build friendships, and create lasting memories as readers.
3. What are a few books you’re especially excited to put into students’ hands right away this year?
I can’t wait to share Aaron Reynolds’ new book, Yarn is Everywhere! As a knitter, I love playing with my yarn, and I look forward to teaching some crocheting skills during library lunches.
4. Share a fun fact about you or your reading life that students and staff might not know!
So I love to knit, but I also love to read in my spare time – so much so that I have read for 416 weeks and nearly 2600 days in a row according to my Kindle!
Spotlight Project
One of the programs I am most proud to have introduced at AISLagos is Africa Battle of the Books (BoB). What started as an idea to give our students another meaningful way to connect outside the classroom has quickly grown into one of our most anticipated after-school activities.
While many extracurricular opportunities naturally revolve around sports, I wanted to create a space where students who love books—or simply want to discover a love of reading—could come together, challenge themselves, and have fun. Battle of the Books has become exactly that.
Each year, students receive a reading list of 16–18 carefully selected books for their division. Together, they read, discuss, laugh, predict, debate, and encourage one another as they work through the list. Along the way, they become experts—not only remembering titles and authors but also the tiny details that make each story unforgettable.
The highlight of the year is competing with schools from across Africa. The competition itself is exciting, fast-paced, and full of energy, but what I love most isn’t the final event—it’s everything that happens before it. Watching students eagerly recommend books to one another, celebrate finishing another title, and grow in confidence as readers has been the most rewarding part of the journey.
When we launched Battle of the Books in the 2024–2025 school year, we started with just two elementary teams and two middle school teams. I hoped students would enjoy it, but I never imagined how quickly it would take off. The following year, participation doubled in elementary, five middle school teams joined the program, and for the 2026–2027 school year, we’re excited to welcome our very first high school team.
Seeing students choose to spend their afternoons reading, collaborating, and celebrating literature has been incredibly rewarding. Battle of the Books has become more than a competition—it has become a community. It reminds us that reading is not just an academic skill; it is an adventure best shared with others.
I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes us. If you want to learn more about BoB or join in on the fun, contact me at tesswilliams@aislagos.org, and I will share everything we know!
