Harrington librarian an Unsung Heroine

LYNN – E.J. Harrington Elementary School Librarian Carole Shutzer has overseen a transformation of the school’s library in recent years, ushering in new programs that promote reading, education and community involvement in a fun and entertaining learning environment.Wednesday at the State House on Beacon Hill, Shutzer will receive recognition for her dedication and efforts as one of 287 Unsung Heroine award winners from across the state, and the only nominee from Lynn.The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women holds the Unsung Heroine ceremony every year, recognizing women from Massachusetts who “don’t make the news, but make a difference,” quietly and “without fanfare” making their communities better places to live.Shutzer, a Swampscott resident, was nominated for the award by her adult daughter, Elise, an honor that she said came as a total surprise.”How exactly she learned about this and went about nominating me, I don’t know. We spend a lot of time talking about what I do at the library and what she does in her life and it must have made an impression,” Shutzer said. “To have felt like I have made an impact – it is very meaningful to know that she took the time to (nominate me).”In her time at the school, Shutzer has integrated several new programs and special events into the library. Class projects such as poetry writing contests or book projects accompany lessons about each specific writing style. Authors occasionally come to speak to her students in the library, and she organizes educational assemblies, such as the recent appearance by “Ben Franklin,” a historically accurate one-man show that took students from Franklin’s childhood through his success in building an independent America.Shutzer has also scheduled a community reading day for late May, when individuals from all walks of life take time to read to students and discuss the importance of reading in education.”Every day I stride to make the library exciting,” she said. “Reading is critical to these students’ education, and I want to give students the chance to enjoy reading in unique ways.”A humble Shutzer said she is “excited” leading up to the fifth annual Unsung Heroine Award Ceremony, even if she isn’t quite sure what to expect.The private event, hosted by Liz Brunner of Channel 5 news, will feature a keynote speech from Attorney General Martha Coakley and speeches by Speaker of the House Salvatore DiMasi, Senate President Therese Murray, and Rep. Marty Walz (D-Boston) and Rep. Ellen Story (D- Amherst), co-chairs of the Caucus of Women Legislators.The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is an independent state agency that was legislatively created in 1998 to advance women of the Commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities. The Commission provides a permanent voice for Massachusetts’ women and is comprised of 19 diverse members who are appointed by the governor, Senate president, speaker of the House of Representatives and the Caucus of Women Legislators. Commissioners serve in a voluntary capacity and the work of the Commission is facilitated by a staff of four, assisted by year-round interns.”I am just very excited about this,” said Shutzer. “All of us at the Harrington try our hardest to do the best we can for our students. I appreciate the interest in what I do with the library.”