Congratulations to Stillwater Middle High School librarian Amy Carpenter on being named the 2026 WSWHE BOCES School Librarian of the Year! The award recognizes excellence in programming, collaboration, leadership and a commitment to literacy and lifelong learning. Carpenter received the honor during the final Communication Coordinator meeting of the school year on Tuesday, May 19.
Carpenter joined Stillwater Middle High School in September 2006, serving as the library media specialist for both schools. Her long tenure in the district and extensive curriculum expertise have enabled her to develop and refine the library program into the high-quality resource it is today, while also sharing her knowledge and experience with fellow school librarians throughout the region. With a quick wit, bright smile and warm personality, Carpenter fosters strong relationships with students and provides insight into their individual strengths and needs. Moreover, her deep knowledge of young adult literature helps her connect students with books that resonate with their interests and personalities.
That same dedication to students and learning is reflected in Carpenter’s professional approach. Her love of reading, extensive background in research and information literacy, and commitment to continuous professional growth exemplify the foundational attributes of a school librarian—but what places Carpenter at the top of the book stack is her leadership and advocacy. Carpenter is one of the creative leaders behind Stillwater High School’s annual yearbook, a major undertaking. She spends much of the year organizing the publication while mentoring students in photography and yearbook production, in addition to her daily responsibilities.
As technology continues to reshape education and learning resources, Carpenter has been an early adopter of innovative instructional tools, applying her leadership skills through the school’s Technology Committee. One of her lessons was featured on “Cool Tools for Schools,” highlighting her forward-thinking teaching practices. Beyond her classroom work, Carpenter is the president of the Stillwater Teachers Association, overseeing complex agreements and working to secure terms that align with shared goals.
She also holds leadership roles at the regional and community levels, including service on the WSWHE BOCES School Library Services (SLS) Library Council, where she previously served as chair and reached the term limit due to her years of involvement. Carpenter’s leadership continues through the Awards Committee, which she has led since its inception in 2021, and her membership on the Schuylerville Library Board in her hometown.
A confident and respected leader, Carpenter serves as an informal mentor to many school librarians regardless of experience. She is often a go-to colleague for questions, a key source for updates in the library field and broader educational landscape, and someone who readily lends a helping hand.
Driven by a passion for justice through literacy and equitable access to resources for students, Carpenter believes that libraries, literacy and books have the power to transform lives. She has attended Library Advocacy Day for the past two years and has been interviewed on topics including fundraising for Project Cameron, student research projects and how librarians can help bridge the digital divide.
Carpenter’s dedication to reading, literacy, research, continuous professional growth and her students is evident in her work. This recognition honors her unwavering commitment to students, teachers, colleagues and education as a whole. She represents what it means to be an exceptional school librarian, and her service has significantly strengthened librarianship in New York state.