Whether to quickly print something out, eat lunch, or to browse books, the Media Center has the Green Hope community covered.  The Media Center and its contribution to core elements related to the needs of Green Hope is unparalleled; however, few students actually know the inner workings of this busy place. The Green Hope Media Center has so much to offer students, faculty, staff, and families.  Under the leadership of Ms.  Emily Yates and Ms. Jenni Dry, the opportunities are endless.

Both Ms. Yates and Ms. Dry were born in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Ms. Yates studied English at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, and she taught at a boarding school for a year. Ms. Yates stated, “I really enjoyed the teaching aspect of that, and I knew I wanted to be a part of the education system. But, I also knew I wanted to do something just a little different than being a classroom teacher. I decided to go to UNC-Chapel Hill to get my master’s in library science.” This decision altered Ms. Yates’ life, as she is now finishing her seventh year at Green Hope as a media specialist.

Ms. Dry, on the other hand, went to three universities. She obtained her undergraduate degree in journalism, and she worked as a journalist for a few years in North Carolina. After her time using her journalistic skills, she received a degree in Spanish at NC State. Ms. Dry states, “While studying Spanish, I lived in Mexico for a semester. I became more fluent there since I was using it all the time. I still practice speaking Spanish with my husband and we make a point to just speak Spanish some days.”  Ms. Dry found herself attending East Carolina University and studying to become a librarian. She has kept going with that career since, and this is her sixth year here at Green Hope. 

Although many may know Ms. Yates and Ms. Dry for being Green Hope’s librarians, they both have many interesting hobbies outside the realm of reading and technology. Ms. Dry stated, “My main two hobbies outside of school are running and music, specifically playing the guitar and singing.” Ms. Yates also loves to run and be outside, but is also involved in community theater and loves to craft. “I do a lot of sewing and knitting.” Ms. Yates said. 

These two longtime librarians have plenty of advice and recommendations for those looking to read more. It can sometimes be difficult to get into reading and become a ‘regular’ reader, and it’s easy to get discouraged when you can’t seem to finish any book that you pick up. Ms. Yates and Ms. Dry understand this and are here to help. When looking for a book, they say to start off with your interests and find something that really intrigues you!” Ms. Yates said. “We are always happy to give recommendations, and they can be based on anything: your favorite show, movies you like, or what you do outside of school.” They also stress that it is okay not to finish a book. If you don’t like a book, then don’t feel the pressure to try and read to the end. “You aren’t always going to find things that are the right fit for you,” Ms. Yates advised. They suggest trying out Green Hope’s graphic novel and manga section if a novel seems a bit intimidating. All in all, Ms. Yates and Ms. Dry stress the importance of being curious. “Figure out what you’re curious about and find a novel related to that,” Ms. Dry suggested.