Media Specialist Katrina Barnett has established something special at Factory Shoals Middle 
School: a dynamic hub for information, collaboration and innovation that inspires student curiosity.
Barnett's innovative approach to developing the media center into what FSMS Principal Dr. Raymond Leonard calls an "oasis of learning" has earned her the honor as the 2025 Douglas County School System Library Media Specialist of the Year.
Superintendent Trent North, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning K'Asha Davis and Leonard surprised Barnett with the award on March 14.
Wearing a clever "Booktrovert" T-shirt and holding celebratory flowers after receiving the honor, Barnett said she takes pride in making her media center a "safe space" for her students, noting that middle school can be tough for some as they try to find themselves.
Barnett has been an educator for more than 20 years, including the past seven as a library media specialist. She was the 2011 Teacher of the Year at Chestnut Log Middle School. More recently, she has stepped into the role of lead media specialist for the entire district and serves as a mentor to new media specialists.
Leonard said Barnett brings a tremendous wealth of knowledge in motivating students and teachers "to encourage them to do their very best as it relates to literacy."
The impact of Barnett's work resonates throughout the district, Davis said.
"Ms. Barnett leads a dynamic literacy program that ignites a love for reading through strong partnerships with teachers and students," she said. "As lead media specialist, her passion drives intentional programming that makes literacy engaging and accessible for all. This well-deserved recognition highlights her dedication and lasting impact on our school community!"
Barnett said on her application for Library Media Specialist of the Year that she envisions "a library that serves as a hub for information, collaboration and innovation, where students can explore a wide range of resources, develop their information literacy skills and discover their passions."
She admits that she "wasn't a fan of reading in middle school," an experience that gives her unique empathy for reluctant readers at FSMS.
"I'm very intentional about choosing books that they can relate to in the media center," she said. "Our displays, our contests, it's all for them because I want to ignite that spark for reading for them."
Barnett will now advance to compete at the regional level for the Georgia School Library Media Specialist of the Year.
