With every student having access to personal iPads and abundant resources at our fingertips, it is almost inconceivable to imagine completing school assignments solely with books and a handful of computers. But for our wonderful head librarian, Diane Mankowski, this was her reality when she first began her tenure at Glenbard South library. Mankowski prepares to retire this spring, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, dedication and transformation.
Mankowski first started as an English teacher and came over to South only a few years after starting her career. Her passion for literature, coupled with her ability to foster connections with students and embrace newly changing technology, led her to the role of librarian. She has worked tirelessly as head librarian, editor of The Independent and as supervisor and producer for the Raiders News Broadcast. Mankowski has been more than a librarian, she has been a guide, a mentor, and an architect of the vibrant library space we cherish today.
The library is such a refreshing and comfortable space that all students can utilize, shaping its benefits to their needs. Whether it is taking a Raider Hour to fit in a study session before a big test, recharging while sharing quiet chatter and lunch with friends, using a computer to print something out or checking out a new book, students possess many opportunities for personal or academic growth. This incredible resource is all thanks to Mankowski’s determination and dedication to providing us with a comfortable common area other than the cafeteria. One of her most impactful initiatives was advocating for students to use the library during lunch periods—a bold move that redefined its purpose. Initially met with skepticism, her belief in students’ responsibility and respect proved transformative. “It is my belief that students would clean up after themselves; they would be responsible and respectful,” she explained. This policy proved to be transformative because when she first joined the staff, few students frequented the library. Now it is one of the most beloved and comfortable places that offers a variety of spaces for every student at South. Not only has allowing students to spend their lunch in the library reached the goal of bringing more students to the library, but it has also majorly changed its environment.
Not only do Raiders get the privilege to eat lunch in the library, but they are not confined there for their entire lunch period. They get to go back to the cafeteria to grab lunch or a drink, go ask a teacher something, use the restroom or any other trip they need to spend their lunch on. Mankowski also states, “Over the years I have believed strongly that we should give passes where they want to go because I believe when it is your lunch time, or your free time particularly, if you are choosing to be in the library you have the freedom to take care of some personal business.”
Beyond her presence as a warm and approachable figure in the library, Mankowski has spearheaded numerous advancements in technology and learning resources at Glenbard South. Over the years, she helped bring in two full computer labs, adapted one-to-one iPads into students’ everyday usage and expanded access to digital tools that have revolutionized classroom instruction. Her collaboration with faculty has enriched our courses by integrating technology and research into our curriculum, making classes like AP Seminar possible.
Her contributions extend further, as highlighted in the Glenbard South Newsletter (Sept 10, 2023), she significantly enhanced access to e-books through Sora, providing over 1,200 titles for student use—a testament to her commitment to modernizing learning resources.
Mankowski’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Glenbard South’s history. We will greatly miss her book recommendations, her guidance during research projects and her dedication to helping every student succeed. Mankowski has left the library in an incredible place, and we are inspired to carry forward and build upon the remarkable legacy she leaves behind—a legacy defined by innovation, compassion and an unyielding commitment to student success.
