For Clare Hart ’18, a love of books started early — and today it has come full circle.
The Canisius University English major now works as the elementary school librarian at Maple East Elementary School in the Williamsville Central School District, the very school she attended as a child.
Walking through the same library where she first discovered her love of reading, Hart now helps inspire that same curiosity in the next generation of students. “It’s such a dream,” she says. “One of my co-workers is my childhood librarian, and the library I work in now was my childhood library.”
Hart earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Canisius University, along with a minor in creative writing, before going on to complete her Master of Library Science at the University at Buffalo. Today, she combines her love of literature, creativity and education to help young readers develop lifelong habits of learning.
[Clare Hart ’18, an elementary school librarian at Maple East Elementary School, inspires young readers every day in the same library where her own love of books first began.]
Discovering a Passion for Books and Community
Hart initially imagined a different career path when she began college. “I originally thought about becoming a lawyer,” she explains. “But all of my favorite moments at Canisius happened in the library.”
During her time on campus, Hart also volunteered with youth programs, experiences that helped clarify her calling. “I realized that books and kids were what really made me happy,” she says. “You spend most of your life at work, and I wanted to spend that time doing what I love.”
The supportive community within the Canisius English Department played a significant role in shaping her academic experience. “I cannot say enough positive things about Dr. [Mick] Cochrane and my professors in the English Department,” Hart says. “They created such a warm, inviting environment and have continued to support me even after graduation.”
Hart also credits Professor Janet McNally with shaping her creative voice long before she officially enrolled at Canisius. While still in high school, Hart participated in a summer program at the university where she was introduced to creative writing and McNally. “Taking her courses later as a Canisius student made the experience even more special,” Hart says.
Today, that early inspiration carries into her work with young readers. “Part of what I do is teach children that reading and writing are art forms,” she explains. “They’re so good at expressing themselves at this age — they’re fearless and unafraid to make mistakes. I think we should take some of that uninhibited spirit into every facet of our lives.”
That connection has endured long after her time on campus. Hart remains in touch with fellow English graduates who now work as librarians in her school district, as well as former faculty. “I’m never afraid to reach out to my old professors and ask for help,” she says. “It really feels like a family.”
A Full-Circle Career in Elementary Education
As an elementary school librarian, Hart’s days are busy and varied. She teaches five classes a day while also managing the library alongside her aide.
Despite the fast pace, one part of the job stands out above the rest. “My favorite part is reading to the children,” she says. “It’s my mission to inspire a love of reading and show them that books can be fun, scary, thrilling or even ridiculous.”
Hart also enjoys introducing students to stories she loved as a child. One example is the Warrior Cats series by Erin Hunter, one of her favorites growing up. “Now I’m getting a whole new generation of kids interested,” she says. “That really makes this job feel like a full-circle achievement.”
Teaching Creativity in a Digital World
In an age when digital distractions compete for students’ attention, Hart sees reading and writing as essential creative outlets. “Creative writing teaches problem-solving, self-expression and the value of diverse perspectives,” she says. “Those skills are so important today.”
Her lessons also include digital citizenship, helping students learn how to balance screen time with offline activities and use technology responsibly. “The best advice I can give parents is to read to your kids early and often,” Hart says. “Children are little sponges. If they see you loving books, they will naturally love them too.”
Carrying the Canisius Mission Forward
Hart credits Canisius University’s emphasis on service, community and volunteering with helping prepare her for a career working with children. One aspect she finds especially meaningful is its inclusive programs for students with disabilities. “We integrate students with autism and other disabilities into regular classrooms,” Hart explains. “It creates a culture of acceptance and understanding, which I think is so important.”
She sees parallels between that environment and the community she experienced at Canisius. “Canisius had that same sense of acceptance and open-mindedness,” she says. “Students from all walks of life were welcomed and supported.”
Advice for Future Educators and Librarians
For current Canisius University students considering careers in education or library science, Hart encourages them to take advantage of the relationships and opportunities available through the university’s network. “My advice would be to network early and often,” she says. “There are so many opportunities through the alumni community, and you never know who you’ll meet that might open a door.”
While she acknowledges that education can be a challenging field, Hart says the rewards make it worthwhile. “I won’t sugarcoat it — education isn’t easy,” she says. “But I’m excited to go to work every day because I truly love what I do.”
Hart remains proud of both the academic foundation she received at Canisius and the community that continues to support her. “I’m proud to be a Canisius English Department alumna,” she says. “And I’m proud to promote children’s love of literature as a librarian. It’s a privilege to be part of communities that foster creativity, learning and the arts.”
