By M. Diane McCormick

Amelia Bellis, principal of Halifax Elementary School, sees firsthand the challenges her student’s families face in creating community and accessing high-quality learning and fun. In rural northern Dauphin County, The Library is a connector. 

“It’s a place for them to connect with other families,” she said. “They can attend the different programs they wouldn’t necessarily have opportunities to see. They can see a live author. They can take their kids to Story Time.” 

Before becoming principal in October 2023, Bellis spent 16 years teaching third and fourth grades  at her school. She is a local native, growing up in Gratz. The avid reader was always borrowing library books and spending her summers immersed in “any kind of book challenge.” 

“I loved that,” she said. “If you could read so many books, that was me. ‘The Baby-Sitters Club.’ ‘Sweet Valley High.’ Those were the books I loved.”  

How did you use The Library as a teacher?

I have my Library card and have checked out books for my classroom and for myself. Teachers, obviously, utilize libraries to bring in resources for their curriculum.  

Do you have a favorite memory of pulling those resources for the classroom?

Absolutely. Talking about inventors and inventions, I brought in rich literature for the students to have exposure to their own invention projects. They had not only the books that I had available, but a variety of books to research from. Ben Franklin was of huge interest to students, with all of the inventions he made. They built simple machines and would create their own. They made catapults. We had an ice cream dispenser.  

What does The Library bring to Halifax-area students and families?

A love of literacy. An excitement for reading. Opportunities for programs. Free resources. An area for families to gather. There are early childhood programs. I remember taking my son to Story Time and getting to connect with other families that way.