Local Author Visit Inspires Young Readers at Hillsdale Media Center

JEROMESVILLE, Ohio — A quiet media center quickly turned into a room full of imagination as Hillsdale students gathered to hear a story come to life, directly from the person who wrote it.

Local author Jennifer Lyons visited the Hillsdale K–4 Media Center in February, sharing her newest children’s book with students.

Students in multiple classrooms had the opportunity to listen, ask questions, and connect reading to real-world creativity. 

Lyons also donated several of her books to the media center, expanding the collection with titles students can now check out and enjoy, written by someone from their own community.

Her visit carried personal meaning as well. Years ago, Lyons visited Hillsdale Elementary and read stories to her daughter Haley's second-grade class. This time, she returned to share her published books with a new generation of readers, including her own grandchildren.

“Now I get to share actual books,” Lyons said.

She described the students as welcoming and engaged throughout the experience.

“The students are truly fabulous, friendly, and considerate,” Lyons said. “I am so thankful I was invited to read to the children.”

Moments like this help turn reading into something more than a chore or pastime. It becomes a connection. When students meet an author, stories feel closer, goals feel possible, and the path from reader to writer becomes a little more real.