I’m Ness Shortley, and I’m so excited to be the librarian at Laurel Park Elementary! I have been a school librarian for 7 years. Before that, I was a journalist in community newspapers for 12 years. I’m originally from Ontario, Canada, and I’m a big hockey fan (go Maple Leafs and go PWHL!). I got my bachelor’s in communication and political science from Eastern Carolina University and my master’s of science in library science from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Outside of school, you can usually find me curled up with my dogs, a good book, and some knitting. I also love baking; going to the beach; spending time with my family and friends, especially my spouse, Tim, and my niece, Nora; playing tabletop role-playing games; and my ever-growing collection of houseplants.