As Valentine’s Day approached, students gathered in the library Feb. 10 to write cards and celebrate together. Library ambassador Sophie Herbert (’28) came up with the idea for the event, and then the library ambassadors collectively planned the celebration.
The library is a center of student life at Archer. Middle and upper schoolers gather every day to study, work and spend time with friends. Herbert said that she enjoys passing time in the library and helping out whenever she can. Her enthusiasm led librarian Denise Soto to create the library ambassador position in 2023. When Herbert planned the event, she organized the logistics, and Soto helped put them into action. Soto said having ownership over an event teaches the ambassadors about responsibility.
Library ambassadors help with many tasks, such as putting away books, creating displays and planning events. Library ambassadors can be on three teams: the display and programs team, the social media team or the outreach team. Herbert is a part of the display and programs team, which enabled her to organize the Valentine’s Day celebration.
“I love being in the library and all this fun stuff like putting away books [and] making displays,” Herbert said. “It’s such a good creative outlet.”
Library ambassadors strengthen the spirit at events because they encourage other students to attend, Soto said. Because Herbert planned the event, other students stopped by to say hello to her, which led to more excitement and participation overall.
“I think that when students see their classmates leading these things, they’re more inclined to join because they want to support their friends,” Soto said. “But also hang out.”
Freshman Grace Nordling does not usually attend library events because they are after school, but decided to go because her friends invited her. She thought the idea of spending the afternoon watching “Beauty and the Beast“ and eating cookies would be relaxing.
“I enjoy the atmosphere. It’s very nice and cozy in here,” Nordling said. “I would definitely recommend events like this to other people.”
Nordling was also excited to make valentines for her family and friends to spread love and cheer.
“I think the importance [of Valentine’s Day] is to show everyone around you love and care,” Nordling said, “and that you really appreciate them, and to get things in return — that people really love you and express relationships on a special day.”
Students used glitter, paper and gems to decorate their valentines. Elise Kim (’25) created a card adorned with gems and paper cutouts of hearts and butterflies for her friend. Her original plan was to study, but the celebration caught her eye, and she decided to decompress by doing something creative.
“It’s very enjoyable because you can do things with your hands,” Kim said. “Also, watching a nice movie, and there’s free food.”
Archer’s culture is unique and supportive, Soto said. She said that it is refreshing to see students go out of their way to stop by an event, even if it is just to grab a cupcake.
“Students are really supportive of events on campus, I think especially when you have food and candy,” Soto said. “I don’t speak for students, but I’ve heard other students say it’s a nice break to the day because you’re not here to do anything but have snack, maybe do some arts and crafts or something non-academic.”
Herbert said she was excited to see all the students in the library because she got to see her work pay off. She said she was planning on making valentines for her family and thinks that showing appreciation for loved ones is important.
“It’s nice to know that you’re being thought of,” Herbert said, “and [that someone was] willing to put in the time and work to make something for you that would make you feel good.”
Soto said the event was meaningful because it celebrated being with friends and loved ones, but also went beyond Valentine’s Day’s commercial aspect as the students made cards from scratch. She was proud of Herbert’s dedication to the event and the end result.
“Sophie did an amazing job, and I continue to be proud of her,” Soto said. “I’m really excited to see what else the library ambassadors come up with.”
