Honoring a Devoted Librarian
Lorrie Culver retires after 15 years of service.
Since 2008, Coordinator of Library Services and Research Lorrie Culver has championed the library as a hub of resources, nurturing lifelong readers and connecting the community to the library’s extensive collections. In addition, she has provided invaluable guidance on research projects, teaching students how to navigate the library’s database tools and discern the reliability of data sources. During her tenure, she expanded the visiting author program and writing workshops, curated heritage month book collections for all divisions, and served as an adviser to the student yearbook staff.
Ms. Culver’s most recent special collection—books by and about Women in STEM—was funded by a Scripps Foundation grant she spearheaded. Building the collection has been no small feat. She admits, “There just aren’t many books published by women in STEM, and it has taken time to find and source them.” Ms. Culver’s commitment to elevating the voices of female STEM innovators is inspiring for LJCDS students studying in these fields. One senior shared, “I am grateful that we have more books about women in STEM in our library. No class at school teaches the history of science or the current pioneers in the scientific field.”
Faculty and staff appreciate her collaboration on class projects and thought-provoking reading lists. For example, Amy Parish, Ph.D., Upper School English and humanities educator, frequently seeks Ms. Culver’s support for her ninth and 12th-grade English class assignments. “Over the years, Lorrie has developed and delivered lessons on databases for research projects, taught students library research skills, curated books for book review assignments, and organized scavenger hunt assignments for students to learn about the library. She also constructed a Women’s Equality Day reading list for all of our Middle and Upper School students that allowed the students to think broadly and deeply about how the holiday connects to issues girls and women still grapple with today.”
Head Librarian Rafael Eaton reflects on Ms. Culver’s research superpowers: “Lorrie is one of the most diligent and student-focused librarians I have ever worked with. Any student who worked with her can attest to her single-mindedness when it came to pursuing the exact information they were looking for and taking the time needed to guide them in using it well, both in their personal and academic lives. I know that her relentless dedication and unrivaled research assistance transformed the lives of countless learners.”
Students who have worked closely with her echo a deep appreciation for her resourcefulness, guidance, warm demeanor, and vast knowledge of all things literature, research, and current events:
“Ms. Culver has truly enhanced my experience at Country Day. Her love for books and genuine passion for reading makes me even more excited about my love of literature—she makes the library such a special place with her constant optimism and joy around books! She has also motivated me to become more involved in the Country Day community by encouraging me to join the yearbook staff next year.” —Siena Shenbaga ’24
“Ms. Culver has been an amazing teacher and incredible friend. She has genuine care and unwavering passion for her students and was an invaluable resource for me with the past several yearbooks. She was supportive and trusting, pushed me to my full creative potential, and encouraged me to take risks and step out of my comfort zone. Ms. Culver has not only taught me resourcefulness but most importantly, she taught me the value of taking initiative, especially when leaving a positive impact on your community.” —Isabelle Hinrichs ’25
“The connections Ms. Culver helped us make between sources, books and proper research have been immensely helpful in my academic career. Some of my fondest memories come out of that library, and I am very thankful for everything she has done for me and our school.” —Khalil Desai ’22
“I really enjoyed getting to know Ms. Culver on the yearbook and could see her importance in the conception and completion of our yearbooks each year. Ms. Culver's proactive, hard-working attitude and resourcefulness motivate all of us who work with her.” —Jialin Li ’23
“She didn't just guide our students,” says Mr. Eaton, “she sparked their curiosity. As she embraces retirement, her impact will forever echo, reminding us that true dedication shines when we go above and beyond to empower others in their journey.”
Ms. Culver looks forward to spending quality time with friends and family, including her new grandson, Adam, in retirement. And no doubt, any endeavor she undertakes, be it a hobby or travel, will be diligently researched and planned.
