For the past six years, Caleb Henry has been a cornerstone of Candler Elementary, inspiring students to fall in love with reading and bringing energy and creativity to the Media Center. As the school’s Media Center Coordinator, Mr. Henry goes beyond checking out books - he cultivates curiosity, supports teachers, and brings classroom learning to life in his classes.
Whether it’s through themed reading challenges, interactive lessons, or thoughtful book recommendations, Mr. Henry finds meaningful ways to connect students with literature. He also collaborates closely with teachers to align Media Center activities with what students are learning in class, making the library a true extension of the classroom.
“I believe that libraries are one of the rare public spaces where patrons can come as they are and explore what interests them the most,” said Mr. Henry. “Being able to facilitate that level of authentic learning with our students is incredibly rewarding. I get to be a part of our students' learning journey for several years, helping them cultivate interests and explore the world through the resources and literature we offer. I can't imagine a more rewarding job!”
Mr. Henry also leads Candler’s Battle of the Books team, encouraging students to dive deeper into reading and develop teamwork skills along the way.
Principal Charlotte Clubb praises his impact on the school.
“I love seeing students excited about reading, especially physical books,” she said. “They still love being read to, even in the upper grades. We strive to make our Media Center the hub of the school and to make it as inviting as possible.”
Candler Elementary is lucky to have Mr. Henry, whose passion for reading and learning continues to spark curiosity and joy in every student who walks through the doors.
As we celebrate National School Library Month, we also want to recognize the incredible work of Media Center Coordinators across Buncombe County Schools. These dedicated educators create safe, welcoming spaces where students grow as readers, researchers, and lifelong learners. Thank you Mr. Henry, and all of our Media Coordinators for everything you do.