Allison Matthews

Hello everyone!

My name is Allison Matthews and I am absolutely thrilled to introduce myself as your student's librarian! This is both my first year as a member of the Bell Fork family and as a school librarian. Prior to librarianship, I worked for a number of years as a 4th grade teacher and literacy support teacher in my hometown on the Central Coast of California. Throughout all of my work with students and children I have often said that being an elementary school librarian would be my dream job. When my husband and I moved to Jacksonville in late 2020, the stars aligned and the opportunity for me to return to school presented itself. Shortly after our arrival, I began my Masters of Library Science coursework at ECU. I have since been a full-time student and am looking forward to finishing the program this summer.

Outside of work and school, it should come as no surprise that I enjoy reading. I especially enjoy audiobooks as they allow me to read while doing other things I love. I enjoy most outdoor activities, such as hiking, long walks, biking, camping, swimming, and kayaking. My husband and I are always on the lookout for where to visit next! Indoors, I also like to stay busy cooking, baking, quilting and doing yoga. The rest of my time is devoted to spoiling (and smothering) our three cats, Ramses, Malta and Numbus. 

Thank you for trusting me with your fabulous students. It is my most sincere goal that, while in the library, your student feels safe, capable and inspired. I want students to leave their time in the library feeling more positively about both books and themselves!

Allison Matthews