Bryant Elementary Lost Its Beloved Librarian

From The Seattle Times:

But there’s one essential element that will be missing from Bryant’s library when students return to school Wednesday: Anne Aliverti, who served as the school’s librarian for 15 years. 

Aliverti was struck by a car while crossing Sand Point Way on Aug. 4, and died from the resulting traumatic brain injuries on Aug. 14.

“This is the heart of the building, and she was the heart of this — and so her reach is tremendous,” said Steve Garlid, a fifth-grade teacher who is about to start his 31st year at Bryant. “It feels like our heart is broken.” 

Garlid is among the thousands of students, parents and teachers who have cycled through the library during Aliverti’s tenure. Many of them are still in shock over her death.  

“We’re not really sure how the students are going to be,” Garlid said, trying to anticipate the mix of emotions as students in first through fifth grade begin the new school year Wednesday.

She “saw the precious quality of life,” Garlid said, and she didn’t waste it. She ignited curiosity in young learners and even adults.

Even when Aliverti’s position was reduced to half-time due to budget cuts,she still worked just as hard as a full-time teacher, said Garlid. She also served on Bryant’s building leadership team, completed her national board certification multiple times, was a district STAR mentor, worked as a Teacher Leader Cadre, where she created professional development for teachers, and helped with book fairs and book drives.

Bryant’s library had the highest circulation in Seattle Public Schools — 38,651 books checked out — in the 2023-24 school year. Last year, it was the second-highest circulating library behind Cascadia Elementary, according to Darcy Brixey, library services and instructional materials program manager at Seattle Public Schools. 

“The SPS Librarians owe a debt of gratitude to Anne for her vision,” Brixey wrote in an email. “She was a mentor to all and the kindest person. She will be greatly missed.”