A Katy ISD Librarian Legacy Brings Passion, Love of Books to Students
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 26, 2026
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy’s Griffin Elementary School’s librarian brings a legacy of three generations of library love to students. Librarian Sarah Canales follows in her mother’s and grandmother’s footsteps as she continues to share the love of books with children.
Librarian Sarah Canales at Griffin Elementary works the same library that her mother, Mitzi Cross opened 20 years ago. The love for library work goes back to her grandmother, Beverly Morris, who passed her passion for books and children to her family.
“Watching both my mom and grandmother serve as librarians with such passion and grace made a lasting impression on me,” says Griffin Librarian Sarah Canales. “They often told me, ‘The librarian has the best job in the school,’ and over time, I came to believe that wholeheartedly.”
Her mom, Mitzi Cross opened Griffin Elementary 20 years ago. Though retired now, she remains active with Katy students and is the namesake, along with her husband James Cross, of Cross Elementary.
“Our libraries are places of heart. Every librarian I have met is deeply passionate about books and about caring for students,” says Mitzi. “There are so many opportunities within the library for families to volunteer, connect with librarians, and see their children learning and engaging with their peers. The library is not just a place for books; it is the heart of the school, where students can explore, imagine, learn, and connect.”
But this legacy of passion for books and children began with Mitzi’s mom, Beverly Morris. She earned her Bachelors in Education while caring for her children. She then went on to earn a Masters in Library Science before becoming a librarian in Brownfield and then Levelland.
“My mother—the first elementary librarian in our family—became my inspiration long before I could name it,” says Mitzi. “It began the moment she lifted me into her lap and opened a book. I remember the warmth of being close to her, the rhythm of her voice, and the quiet magic of stories unfolding page by page. In those moments, reading wasn’t just something she did—it was something we shared.”
Mitzi recalls how her mother filled their shelves at home with encyclopedias, and that they frequented the public library.
“Allowing me the opportunity to order from the Scholastic book flyers sent home from school, opened the windows of my small-town life to a wider world, inviting curiosity and wonder into our home,” she says.
And Mitzi gladly passed this love of books and reading her daughter.
“I saw the joy they experienced in helping and connecting with students,” explains Sarah. “I saw their hard work pay off through successful book fairs and book clubs. I also witnessed their impact, as students and parents consistently shared how much they influenced their love of reading and learning.”
As librarian, Sarah plans to support the Griffin Elementary staff by intentionally collaborating with teachers to build students’ background knowledge and strengthen instruction. She wants to connect with students and help them engage with books and the world around them.
“My goal is to create a library that is the heart of the school,” says Sarah. “I want it to be a welcoming space with open doors for every student, teacher, and parent.”
But she’ll always be grateful for the passion for books that was passed down to her by her mom and grandmother.
“Their lives and legacies are true testaments to the importance of librarianship, and they played a significant role in shaping my path,” says Sarah.
Beverly Morris passed away in 2019.
“Mama- thank you for nurturing our love for reading and our love for children,” says Mitzi. “I hope you get a little peek of this excitement from heaven!”
“Sarah Canales will pour her whole heart into the library, like she does with everything that is important to her,” add Mitzi. “I can’t wait to see what exciting things she has in store for her Griffin Grizzlies.”
