Remembering my time in the high school library

As I look back on my life I find some of my fondest memories from my high school days are those of working in our high school library for one period each day. I learned far more from that experience than just how to check out books. Mrs. Hilma Sargent was the school librarian. She was a wonderful person, and she took her duties seriously.

She was a lovely, petite Southern lady who, in a kind, firm way demanded the best from her student helpers. She got our best because she taught us the importance of doing our best. We never wanted to let her down. Mrs. Sargent selected students she wanted for student helpers (she called us her assistants). When the group she selected was called to the library to see if we were interested in being a part of her group, she made it clear what she would expect from us. Then she told us what we could expect from her.