JEMS Librarian - Karina Quilantan-Garza, MLS

  • Welcome to JEMS Library

    Karina Quilantan-Garza, or Mrs. Q. as her students like to call her, is the library media specialist at Jaime Escalante Middle School. Since 2015, her library has expanded its programming beyond its physical walls to provide the best and innovative opportunities for students and staff. The library has received regional, state, and national recognition for its virtual presence and library programming. Mrs. Quilantan-Garza has earned an array of certifications such as Google for Education Trainer, Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Trainer, MIE Expert, Apple Teacher, Clever Trainer, and Newsela Teacher Trainer to name a few. If you have questions regarding the library's vision, clubs, books, or technology you may reach Mrs. Q. via email at karina.quilantan@psjaisd.us or by following the library's Instagram @libraryjems. 
Mrs. Q. Librarian

  • JEMS Library Awards & Recognitions

    2017 Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries Grant Recipient

    2018 PSJA Middle School Battle of the Books 3rd Place Winner

    2019 Texas Association of School Librarians Media Virtual Presence (MVP) Award Winner

    2019 Spirit of PSJA Award (Scanning Environments - Adaptive Innovation)

    2020 Dollar General Youth Literacy Grant Recipient

    2020 Spirit of PSJA Award (Adaptive Innovation - Championing Solutions)

    2021 PSJA Middle School Battle of the Books 3rd Place Winner

    2021 Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) Library Media Specialist of the Year Finalist 

    2021 Texas Library Association Branding Iron Award Winner (Digital Communication/School Library Category)

    2021 International Association of School Librarians (IASL) Video Contest Winner (Digital Presence Category) 

    2022 Texas Library Association Librarian of the Year

    2023 School Library Journal Librarian of the Year Finalist

    2023 Library Journal Mover and Shaker (Change Agent)