In honor of October being National Book Month, we here at the Sudhian would like to showcase those who spend the most time with books at Fargo South … the library staff!

These lovely people are very important to Fargo South, and not many students know them. So sit back, relax, and enjoy learning about the Fargo South library staff.

Elizabeth Smithmeyer – Librarian: Elizabeth Smithmeyer was born in Minnesota, then went to college in Massachusetts and graduate school in Minnesota. She’s lived and taught around the world, including Thailand and El Salvador, then moved to Fargo to become a Social Studies teacher, then a librarian. She has many favorite books, but recently enjoyed “Apple: Skin to the Core “ by Eric Gansworth.
Jo Pikarski – Instructional Technology Coach: Jolene (Jo) Pikarski has lived in the ND-MN area for most of her life. Prior to working at CBE and Fargo South, she worked as a PE teacher and volleyball coach for 6 years, and has primarily worked in education. She has five siblings and eight great-nieces and nephews. She loves reading and spending time with family and friends. She can’t choose a favorite book, but she enjoys the works of Kathleen Brooks, Tami Hoag, and Karin Slaughter.

Beth Glander – Library Assistant: Beth Glander worked as an Occupational Therapist for 30 years before switching gears to work in the library. She has four grown children with her husband Jay and 2 grandchildren. One of her daughters, Nicole Beier, also works at Fargo South. Beth enjoys cooking, crocheting and spending time outside listening to “nature’s music.” Her favorite book is “Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah.

Cory Allen – Net Manager: Cory Allen was born in Indiana and has worked at FSH for almost three years. Before working in education, Cory served in the military as a Paratrooper and IT specialist. He also spent time in Afghanistan and Iraq. In his spare time, he likes to play basketball and Tetris, expand his shoe collection and spend time with family and friends. His favorite book is The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway.

Chris Adank, the library assistant who works with technology, was unable to comment before deadline.