CURRENT POSITION Librarian, Tazewell–New Tazewell Primary School, TN DEGREE MA, School Library Media and Technology, East Tennessee State University, 2016 FAST FACT Blake is known for the paint color Silver Leaf. Every library he has helped redo is painted that color. People tell him they automatically know if he has had a hand in making a library better. FOLLOW @travguybrarian; Facebook and Instagram: @travelingguybrarian; travelingguybrarian.com Photo by Keyli Chisesi

Positive Transformations

As a librarian at Tazewell–New Tazewell Primary School, TN, Blake Hopper strives to keep the library space student-centered. One of his most ambitious initiatives involves challenging students to read 40 books per school year, which he promotes through family events. Hopper’s efforts increased his school’s library budget by $5,000, and in the past four years, the number of books circulated has increased from 5,051 at the end of the 2019 school year to 15,801 in March 2023. He’s made it a priority to have the library collection reflect the diverse student body as well.

Hopper is also a staunch library advocate at the state and county level. He has served as the Tennessee Association of School Librarians (TASL) president, and is currently area representative for the Clinch River Region, exhibits chair, and professional-development chair. For several years he was part of a TASL task force to create a State School Library Coordinator position with the Tennessee Department of Education, an effort that succeeded. Currently he’s working with TASL to prevent bills harmful to school libraries and their stakeholders from passing, and he has attended many legislative days in Tennessee to continue to spread the word of the value of libraries to state lawmakers.

Hopper is passionate about his work and ensuring that librarians are “the heart of the school and the people that support everyone.”