These past few weeks, both GALA and Los Angeles High have mourned the loss of our beloved, bubbly, and kind librarian, Ms. Tikisha Harris. Ms. Harris helped GALA establish a proper school library, and though it was small, we had a system that functioned like that of an actual library. I had the honor of working closely with her as a Junior Librarian, and I cherished those Mondays and Thursdays spending time with Ms. Harris. I remember she would always come in on Thursday mornings with a Starbucks drink in her hand and a pep in her step.

The library was a sacred place to me, as well as our other Junior Librarians, Chloé and Kia (Class of 2028). I interviewed them on what the library meant to them. Kia told me about how the library was a second home to her because Ms. Harris was so kind to her, and it was a safe space. Chloé also added how “[the library is] kind of a relaxing place, it’s what I look forward to when going to school, being around books.” When I asked the two about what they worked on in the library, Chloé answered straight away, telling me about how cataloging and putting away books with Ms. Harris was always really fun. “It was nice that we all had the same interest.” Kia followed up by describing how “[Ms. Harris] taught me how to put the stickers on [the books] and shelving books, and later on taught us how to check in and check out books.” Kia also reminisced about how Ms. Harris was always very considerate and made sure we were taking breaks and eating when we were with her.

I also got a chance to speak with Library Club president Delia Mizrahi (Class of 2023) who told me about what it was like to work with Ms. Harris. Delia said, “Ms. Harris was an incredible person overall, she always was really willing to help out any student or any faculty member who needed help. She really enjoyed learning from others and experiencing others’ personalities and stories, and I think that that really made her a person that was safe and comfortable to be with.”

Ms. Harris was always giggling and making others laugh and smile and she will forever be in our hearts and minds. GALA has plans to name the library after our beloved Ms. Harris, along with a few other tributes to her throughout Room 407. For now, the Junior Librarians and I are working hard to keep the library open, and want the library to continue to be a source of knowledge for all GALA students. We are open every day during lunch and wellness, however, the final day to check out books is May 26th. I sincerely hope you will choose to visit and open a book, just as Ms. Harris would have wanted.