Purpose in Action: A Student’s Mission to Open Library Doors

At Holton, leadership is often defined by a student’s ability to look beyond themselves and advocate for the needs of the broader community. Recently, Karina C. '32 demonstrated this attribute by launching a dedicated campaign to restore Sunday hours at Montgomery County public libraries, proving that one person’s courage can spark a significant movement.

Karina first approached this challenge with curiosity and purpose after noticing a troubling trend at her local Potomac Library. As a frequent visitor who uses the space to meet her tutor, complete homework, and read after being dropped off by the bus, she realized the library was much more than just a building. She observed that the library serves as a vital resource for everyone—from students needing a place to study to homeless individuals seeking a warm place to stay. When she discovered that staffing issues had reduced the number of libraries open on Sundays from 22 down to only 9, she knew she had to act.

Her journey of advocacy began with a series of emails to county council members. Her persistence led to a meeting with Jim Montgomery of the Montgomery County Library Board. Impressed by her dedication and her formal petition, the board invited Karina to join the Library Advisory Committee (LAC) for the Potomac branch, making her the first student ever to serve on such a committee.

To share her experience and gather support, Karina recently spoke at a Lower School Gathering. She used a powerful analogy to help her peers understand the impact of the closures, asking them to imagine if their own school library were forced to close every Thursday, leaving them unable to check out books. While she acknowledged that not every student visits the Potomac branch, she emphasized that all students understand the fundamental importance of libraries.

Karina stands as an inspired example of a Holton girl taking leadership out into the world. By turning her observations into a formal petition and a seat at the advisory table, she has shown her fellow students that even a single voice, when raised with purpose and excellence, can advocate for a better world.