OUSD Featured Library: West Oakland Middle (WOMS)
OUSD Featured Library: West Oakland Middle (WOMS)
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Remi Lacey has been the librarian at West Oakland Middle School for the past five years. She is a mentor to many in the OUSD library community by generously sharing both her expertise and deeply-rooted local knowledge. We interviewed Remi about her work at West Oakland Middle School, often referred to as WOMS.
What do students call you?
The students call me “Ms. Remi.”
What is something you’d like folks to know about your library? What makes it unique?
School Principal Ms. Ummat labeled our library “A Beautiful Place to Be.” It’s been open for 7 years and I’ve worked there for the past five years. The library has been transformed into a warm and vibrant place for students to read, explore, and interact with each other in a peaceful way. As a result, our staff and students have been able to maximize their resources this year and for many years to come.
What is your favorite thing about working at WOMS’ library? How do you see it enriching students’ education?
My favorite thing about working in the library is helping students discover books that spark joy and excitement in their worlds. I also find great satisfaction in creating a welcoming, warm, and safe space where students can simply be themselves—even if they don’t have anything else to do. The library enriches their education by nurturing both a love of reading and a sense of belonging, which are essential for growth and learning.
What are some of your favorite books to share with students?
Black Star by Kwame Alexander, The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas and Twenty-four Seconds from Now… by Jason Reynolds.
Why are school libraries important to you?
School libraries matter to me because they help develop avid readers by offering fun and exciting book choices that spark curiosity and joy. Through ongoing collaboration with the school, attention to detail, and a deep passion for library work, I’m proud to help create a space where students can grow as readers and learners.
At WOMS, our library is deeply committed to an anti-racist vision. We confront the toxic problem of White Supremacy Culture directly and commit to challenging racism wherever we encounter it—including within ourselves. This means intentionally addressing implicit bias, examining belief systems, and ensuring our practices reflect equity and justice.
The library is designed to be a welcoming, comfortable, and supportive space where students, families, and staff feel represented, connected, and celebrated. From diverse book selections to curriculum support, we ensure students see their cultures, histories, and identities reflected and honored.
This work extends beyond the shelves: staff engage with anti-racist norms and protocols in professional learning, staff meetings, and our Staff Council. We celebrate the diverse groups within our community through family and student affinity groups—such as Black Parent Council (BPC), Arab Affinity Group, Jewels of Yemen, Black Girls’ Group, Black Boys’ Group, GSA, and Latinx groups.
Together, we cultivate a community of kinship and purpose rooted in caring relationships, high expectations, and culturally responsive practices. Through student talk structures, student-led conferences, grade-level meetings, and community-building circles, the WOMS library supports learning that honors collectivist cultures and prioritizes student voice.
Tell us about your journey to working at WOMS.
I began my journey as a parent librarian at Oakland Military Institute (OMI) and later at Glenview Elementary, where I volunteered to build a library culture in schools that didn’t have the funding to hire traditional librarians. Driven by my passion for libraries and education, and supported by my M.A. in Leadership, I was hired at West Oakland Middle School when the district created a library position here.
For over five years, I have been the sole librarian on campus, managing both textbooks and library books to ensure our library functions as a true full-service hub for students and staff. I’m proud to be among the few Library Technicians who have successfully streamlined services to provide both academic and recreational resources, making the WOMS library a vital part of our school community.
What do you remember about your school library?
I didn’t like reading much as a youth. My love for reading and the library started in college. It never too late to improve on your love for literacy!
What are YOU reading now?
El Deafo by Cece Bell, The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama, Tight by Torrey Maldonaldo, and The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy discovering native plants and spending time in nature. Scenic routes, back roads, and quiet trails are my favorite places to explore and recharge.