Sharon M. Emdin (?)
Staff Writer

On the first floor of Central’s Barnwell Library, you’ll find more than endless piles of books. If you look a bit deeper you’ll find a man who embodies much more than a keeper of information, more than a librarian– Mr. Lobron. With years of experience, ranging from an educator of social studies to Spanish to Central’s library, Lobron’s journey is a testament to his commitment to teaching students to navigate both their academic and personal challenges.

Mr. Lobron’s career thus far can only be described with utmost dedication. He has a history of teaching a vast variety of subjects: World and U.S. History, Political History, IB and AP Psychology, and AP European History. His qualifications—with three masters, including that of Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from Drexel University— reflect his deep dedication to his career.

You may be asking, what prompted Lobron’s shift to being a librarian? He wanted to keep teaching, but sought a new environment. Thus, he saw the Barnwell Library as an extension of the classroom, a space where learning can flourish in diverse and unexpected ways. For over a decade, Barnwell has functioned as both Lobron’s classroom and space for academic excitement.

The Best Part of the Job: For Mr. Lobron, the best part of being a librarian is the diverse daily interactions in Barnwell: he works with students and staff from all walks of life. “The most interesting range of people,” he notes, “the way[s] that people think.” From students who are just starting high school to staff members using the library printer, Lobron gratefully says, “do you see the span of humanity I work with?”

He recalls a touching moment with a freshman, who, in awe asked, “Wow, you’ve read all these books?” The curiosity of students like these is the part that makes his job so fulfilling. He cherishes the relationships he builds, not just with “college-bound juniors and seniors,” but also with students who face personal struggles. “It’s not just like I’m a great student, I want to do my homework…I’m not knocking that. But many students live in poverty…with a lot to deal with. They’re just children.” He said, his voice filled with emotion. “It’s so hard sometimes.”

A Social Worker At Heart: At times, Mr. Lobron finds himself playing the role of a social worker, guiding students who come to him with challenges that go far beyond schoolwork. Rather than seeking academic resources, many students seek a trusted adult who can help them navigate life’s difficulties. “They’re not just doing homework for a grade,” he says. “They’re looking for an adult they can trust to help them find the answers they need.”

Mr. Lobron is always ready to guide students to proper resources— whether that’s a book or the counselor’s office. “I don’t have all the answers, but I know which of these books can help along the journey.”

The Librarian’s Ethical Code: A librarian, Mr. Lobron explains, comes with its own ethical responsibilities. Much like a doctor who takes an oath to heal without judgment, a librarian’s duty is to guide students to the resources they need. “Our job is to help the user identify relevant sources,” he says, highlighting that librarians have an ethical compass that compels them to serve without bias.

One of the most rewarding aspects of his job is watching students discover themselves through books. The most popular section in the library? Religion. As students begin questioning the beliefs they were raised with, many turn to the library for answers, and Mr. Lobron offers guidance in the form of literature. “It’s a beautiful thing to see a person’s discovery of ideas not just about math and science, but about themselves.”

Collaboration with Teachers: Another vital part of Mr. Lobron’s position is collaborating with both students and teachers on research. Whether it’s guiding freshmen through research tasks or helping seniors with pressuring assignments, he plays a key role in developing students’ research skills. “The [key] word is collaboration,” he says.

He relishes in helping students narrow and expand their research topics, taking pride in seeing them develop critical thinking skills. “It’s a privilege to help a kid cultivate an understanding of the topic,” he reflects.

After twenty-one years in education, Mr. Lobron still feels lucky to work at Central High School. He’s helped countless students to grow and thrive. “I’m a humanist,” he says. “I believe in the unlimited potential that each of us possess, and I’ve seen it here.”

Through his work as a librarian, Mr. Lobron touches the lives of students in ways that go beyond books and research. His deep commitment to education, empathy, and guidance make him more than just a librarian, but also a mentor, teacher, and advocate for the students of Central High. “I think it’s a great gift to work here. I consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world.”