When Helen Cologne reflects on what motivates her as a school librarian, she often turns to her relationships with students. She’s inspired by the benefits reading provides, something she learned early in life. 

“I used to ride my bike to the library,” said Cologne, Boyd Elementary library media specialist. “I loved reading. Sometimes, I would go back the same day if I finished the book.” 

As an adult, Cologne and her husband lived in several places around the world. She loved teaching in Guam and learning about their cultures and traditions. That joy is one of the many reasons she chose Omaha Public Schools - Nebraska’s largest and most diverse school district. 

“I have been to Texas. I have been to Washington,” said Cologne, Boyd Elementary library media specialist. “There's one thing that holds true, and that is literacy is very important. It's very important that they know how to read and write.” 

Boyd Elementary’s annual book fair energizes Cologne. The weeklong event unites families  around reading by providing a free book to every student. She also leads a yearly multicultural night at Boyd Elementary. Students and their families gather in their native attire to share songs and traditional foods.  

“It is the most wonderful evening,” said Cologne. 

Cologne creates a culture of literacy that involves the whole family. Through her dedication and joy, she has impacted generations of Omaha Public Schools families. 

Nov. 2024

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