Bene nota:
- “Mr. Lobron: More Than a Librarian” By Sharon Embdin (285) (2024)
https://thecentralizer.net/2024/11/11/mr-lobron-more-than-a-librarian/ - “What Students Don’t Know About Today’s Library Can Set Them Back” By Yvonne Dennis (246) (2016)
https://centralhighalumni.com/students-dont-know-todays-library-can-set-back/
Senior, Anijah Morales (285) interviews Mr. Lobron about his journey, career, and role as Central High School librarian highlighting the impact and the appreciation students have for his work.
What does it mean to be a librarian?
Being a librarian at Barnwell library is packed with meaning. Primacy is the idea of maintaining a safe, quiet, and organized space within which an individual can read, study, and/ or reflect. Secondly, it’s meaningful for Mr. Lobron to be able to collaborate with faculty and with students in learning how to do research. As the Barnwell librarian, I have had the opportunity to interact with faculty from all academic disciplines. It’s an honor to work with and learn from them just as it is to engage with the many young adults who take advantage of using the library as a resource. Beyond connecting students with legitimate sources of information Lobron helps students manage various civic and familial responsibilities such as driver permits, taxes, college admission, finances, etc.
How long have you been at Central?
Mr. Lobron has been teaching in the School District of Philadelphia for thirty two years. Previous to working at Central High he worked at Lincoln, Northeast, and Girls’ High Schools. Previously he taught adult literacy for the Department of Parole and Probation. He also taught English to Central American and Southeast Asian refugees at the Lutheran Children and Family Service. He was appointed as a Social Studies/ Spanish teacher by then President Dr. Sheldon Pavel in 2008. Lobron taught A.P. European History, I.B. psychology, I.B. History of the Americas, World History, U.S. History, and Government. In addition to the Social Sciences, Lobron taught Spanish I and Spanish II.
How did he come into this work?
The Federal Government’s Institute of Museum and Library Services (I.M.L.S.) and Drexel University awarded Mr. Lobron a scholarship to study library and information science at Drexel University. Just as he finished his Master of Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S.) he was assigned to be librarian by President Timothy McKenna in 2016. As a faculty member, parent, and community member Lobron’s familiarity with Central’s mission and school culture helped him assume leadership of Barnwell Library with the capable guidance of Loretta Burton, former librarian for Central high School.
Favorite book/place in the library?
He had a hard time choosing a favorite book but when pushed he suggested John F. Kennedy’s Profiles in Courage as a favorite work of non-fiction. Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s Slaughterhouse-Five is one of his favorite works of fiction.The place in the library Mr. Lobron loves most is when he opens the Barnwell Library in the morning, the sun pours through the east-facing windows filling the library with daylight just as the early arrivals start making their way into the library. Lobron also enjoys the phenomena of observing the library filled to capacity with the quiet hum of scholarship. In addition it brings him great joy when a student finds a book or journal article for which they are searching.
Many students and colleagues shared how Mr. Lobron’s guidance and compassion are what makes him approachable. Beyond his expansive knowledge and intimate knowledge of every corner of the Barnwell Library, Mr. Lobron is able to help narrow a research topic, locate credible sources, or simply have students think more critically about the questions they’re asking. Students emphasized the reassurance they feel in his presence, knowing there is someone who will listen, encourage, and redirect them when they feel stuck. For some, his impact shows up in improved essays and stronger research skills; for others, it’s the motivation to keep going despite challenges outside of school.
Students credit Mr. Lobron not just with helping them complete their work, but with teaching them how to approach learning with independence, curiosity, and confidence. Thank you, Mr. Lobron, for your dedication to Central High School and its students. Happy National Librarian Day!