Ruth Parrish is a mother, a grandmother, a world traveler, and a teacher. She’s an avid bookworm who spends her days sharing her passion for literature with students at K-Park.

In other words, she’s  a librarian.

Parrish, who is often seen wearing colorful clothes such as green pants, hasn’t always been a librarian. First she was a teacher — working with hearing-impaired children at the Houston School for the Deaf, at a private preschool near the Galleria, in elementary art, and first and second grade.

While teaching at Willow Creek Elementary, Parrish got her Masters of Library Science (MLS) so that she could become a librarian.

A lover of books, Parrish was inspired by a co-worker at Creekwood Middle School who decided to become a librarian. Parrish felt the time was right to pursue her love for books and turn in it into a career.

Her first day as a librarian is an unforgettable moment for Parrish.She had to follow in the footsteps of the previous librarian — and she was nervous. She arrived at the Kingwood 9th grade campus and was greeted with a welcome banner hanging in the commons. Later that same day, while in the library, Parrish was again surprised when principals and other staff members came in with a cake to welcome her.

“It felt like home at that point,” said Parrish.

Surrounded by organized chaos, books on every surface, Parrish spends her days in the library helping students find books she hopes they’ll love and teaching them how to navigate the stacks.  

After 17 years in the Humble school district, Parrish decided that it was time to pursue other interests.

She  is looking forward to spending more time with her family, catching up with old friends, finishing her sewing and craft projects, traveling the world and most importantly, sleeping in late.

Parrish will miss teaching students about the databases, being with people at K-Park and helping students find books.

Senior Lauren Tupman, a member of the KPHS book club, says that Parrish passes her love for reading onto her students.

“It will be sad to let her go because there aren’t many people who love their job as much as she does,” Tupman said.   

A replacement for the job has yet to be hired.

“My wish is that the new hire will love the library as much as I do,” Parrish said.

Junior Michael Tamayo, an avid reader, says that Parrish, who’s always helpful and kind will be missed.

“There will be a hole in K-Park without her,” Tamayo said.

Parrish will never forget her time at K-Park and hopes that the school welcomes her replacement. But she plans to visit regularly — coming back to check out books herself.