Editor’s note: The Orcas Island Library is hoping to embark on an expansion of its facility. In the next year, there will be public meetings, design work and fundraising. The Sounder is running a series on the library’s staff in the coming months.

Nita Couchman is self-described as a quiet person, which makes her role as a librarian a perfect fit. Being quiet is also what makes her an ideal children’s librarian. Her soft and steady voice creates a soothing narration for the island’s youngsters.

“You never know what story out there has the potential to pull them in,” said Couchman, who started working at the library 10 years ago.

Before living on Orcas she was working the front desk at a library in Sitka, Alaska. After her husband retired from teaching the couple decided to make a life on Orcas. Couchman immediately found herself volunteering at the local library.

“It’s a good way to know people and get involved with the community,” she said. “I’ve always loved working at libraries.”

On only her third day at the library, she was offered a temporary job mainly working at the front desk.

“It was serendipitous,” she said.

At 50, she decided to go back to graduate school and get her master’s degree in library science.

Just as she finished her degree, an opening for a children’s librarian came up and she jumped at the chance. 

“It just fell in my lap,” said Couchman. “You just have to be open to opportunities that come into your life and you have to take a chance.”

Couchman’s only regret when it comes to libraries is that she didn’t start working with books in her early 20s and 30s. But she said she didn’t have the time or money back then. Now that she has realized her long-time dream, her favorite aspect of the work is the positive interactions she has with people.

“There is nothing negative about it,” she said. “It’s a pleasant atmosphere.”

Helping kids to love learning is an added bonus to the job. Finding the key to that love of books is a mystery Couchman looks forward to unlocking each day, whether it be through a new program or picking new books.

Her favorite program is Storytime at the Farmers Market where she reads to all ages. She has also helped to revive the Table of Contents book club for fourth through sixth graders. The club is sponsored jointly by the Friends of the Library and Darvill’s. Couchman co-hosts with Jean Lyle.

“This year the club ballooned to 30 kids in one meeting,” she said.

The kids read books like  the “Percy Jackson” series, Old Newberry classics and other series.

The Summer Reading program also attracts students each year. Kids log their reading and earn library dollars that they can use to buy paperback books.

It’s encouraging for Couchman to see kids have so much interest in literature.

Another good sign of kids connecting with books is that she doesn’t see kids reading on tablets or other media – they still like holding books in their hands.

She recalls her own excitement over reading as a youth.  Every birthday and Christmas, Couchman would receive a book.

“People today take books for granted because there is information and media everywhere,” she said. “Books were really special when I was a kid.”

It’s that love of literature that helps her continue to make books special for kids today.

Children’s book picks from Orcas Librarian Nita Couchman

For Ages 4-8

“Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses,” by Kimberly and James Dean.

From the publisher:  “Pete the Cat wakes up feeling grumpy – nothing seems to be going his way. But with the help of some magic sunglasses, Pete learns that a good mood has been inside him all along….”

This has great illustrations done by James Dean and a positive message for both kids and adults.

Chapter Books

“House of Hades” (Heroes of Olympus series, book 4), by Rick Riordan.  Almost everything written by Rick Riordan has been a hit with kids.

The main characters in these books are demigods, all related to either Greek or Roman gods, who walk the fine line between the world of humans and the world of the gods.  Stories are filled with non-stop adventure and suspense as the young half-bloods meet one challenge after another.

The fifth book in the series, “The Blood of Olympus” is scheduled for publication in October of 2014.

Tween and Teen Books

Two sets of books have been wildly popular lately.  Veronica Roth’s trilogy of “Divergent,” “Insurgent,” and “Allegiant” and Marie Lu’s trilogy of “Legend,” “Prodigy,” and “Champion” will be welcomed by readers who enjoyed “The Hunger Games” trilogy.

Both are set in an imagined future where the protagonists attempt to maintain their goodness and humanity in spite of obstacles and challenges.