The Fairhill Library
TPanoramic walls of glass at the Fairhill Library showcase a beautiful forest of trees. This library is a space intentionally designed for bright minds that navigate the world differently. The library has been transformed into a student-focused environment through a genrefied collection, inviting spaces, and themed events. Here, we break down barriers to reading so that every student can find a book that sparks their imagination.
Meet Our Library Director
Dana DeAndrea, Library Director
Mrs. DeAndrea has made the library one of the most popular places on campus, in addition to teaching library classes for elementary and middle school students. Her journey at Fairhill began by recognizing the need for an innovative approach to the students’ experience in the library. Her goal has always been to connect students with books that align with their interests and for the library to be the calming space, the fun space, the place where imaginations flourish.
“If all the books stay on the shelves, it is a museum, not a library.”
Literacy Through Events
Library Events
Our library events are more than parties. Each one is built around a theme students already love, and each one leads students back to books, giving reluctant readers a reason to walk in, stay, and check out something new.
Star Wars Museum, “May the 4th Be With You”
Princess Leia, also known as Mrs. DeAndrea, transforms the library into a Star Wars Museum each year on May 4. Students and faculty bring their Star Wars collection to display and act as docents describing their memorabilia. This event includes:
- Five cosplayers, including The Mandalorian
- Photos with the Star Wars characters
- Pun-themed snacks like Wookie Cookies and Luke Sky-water
State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas is celebrated in a big way in the Fairhill Library. We celebrate with:
- A 6-foot Big Tex in the library
- School-wide western wear on opening day, along with themed treats for the teachers
- An 8-foot roller coaster and Ferris wheel built by our Engineering students
- Mrs. DeAndrea and our Spanish teacher, Lissa Dallas, the great-great granddaughter of Sam Houston, ride in a float in the State Fair parade
National Park Service
The Fairhill Library participates in the Loaner Trunk Program with the National Park Service. The trunks act as mini-museums and give students a hands-on learning experience. The library transforms into a campsite in a forest and students enjoy:
- Dressing up in park ranger uniforms
- A six-foot Smokey the Bear
- Receiving a 3D printed Smokey the Bear
Minecraft Party
The Minecraft Party celebrates a world students know and love. The library connects the game with books from all genres, while the party includes:
- Dressing in Minecraft shirts
- 3D characters, including Steve, Alex, and Creeper
- Minecraft cornhole game and Minecraft-themed food
National Recognition
Recognized by Follett Content
Follett Content, a leading provider of library and educational resources serving more than 86,000 schools worldwide, selected Mrs. DeAndrea as a collaborator to share Fairhill’s approach to genrefying a library. Her work is featured in a national Follett marketing campaign for private and parochial schools, and in an in-depth case study about the Fairhill Library.
2,000
Books Reorganized
13
Genres
86,000+
Follett-Served Schools
The Fairhill Advantage
Why Genrefication Works
Genrefication simplifies the process of finding a book that matches a student’s interest. In the traditional system, students may struggle to locate a book and feel overwhelmed. Grouping books by genre (mystery, realistic fiction, science fiction, dystopian and more) lets students go straight to what they love.
- Sorted by genre
- Matching label on every book
- Signage above each section
- Fiction, biography, graphic novels & nonfiction
Free Webinar
Learn How to Genrefy Your Library
Join Mrs. DeAndrea and Follett Content for a free webinar on the Fairhill case study and how genrefication helps every student find their next book. It is designed for educators and librarians, and open to everyone.
Check back for future webinars.
13
2026 · Online · 2:00 PM
Virtual Tour
Step Inside the Library
Take this tour of the Fairhill Library with Mrs. DeAndrea and see how our events along with the genrefied books, signage, and events help every reader find their story.
Visit Fairhill
See the Library for Yourself
Register below for an upcoming Admissions Preview to tour the library, meet the teachers, and witness our bright students in action.