SUMNER — For more than 25 years, Cynthia Norton has introduced the joys and beauty of books to youngsters at Hartford-Sumner Elementary School.

When the end of the school year arrives, the Sumner resident will be leaving to begin her new life in retirement.

“I love books, particularly children’s literature,” she said. “I read more children’s books than adult books.”

Children’s literature is filled with gorgeous illustrations, and the stories are funny and touching, she said. Many are also historical fiction that provide children with a little bit of history, she added.

Norton, 61, began her career as a librarian educational technician in 1985 at HSES. But before that, she volunteered at the school, in the library for two years.

When she started as an ed tech, there wasn’t a state certified program for such positions. Now, educational technicians must meet certain state standards.

There was a time when Norton thought she’d return to college to earn a B.S. so she could become an elementary teacher. But then she thought more about it.

“I get to work with the whole child, brothers and sisters, and now the second generation. I get to work with all the kids and I get to read books. What could be better?” she said. “I realized this is the best job in the school and I get to know all the children.”

During a typical day, she’ll select a number of books to read to youngsters in all grade levels. Often, there’s a theme, which she will put on display in the library. She and the children talk about whether a book is fiction or non-fiction and the various genres.

“Sometimes third- and fourth-graders get so caught up in the topic, that we don’t read,” she said. “Sea creatures, for example. They love them.”

Norton also helps youngsters select books for their own reading. She said children have grown more sophisticated over the years. Many of the books she used to read to older students no longer interests them, she said.

“They like graphic novels and fantasy,” she said.

She has also seen tremendous change in non-fiction books for children. That genre was generally not available early in her career. Now, many companies print colorful, large books on myriad topics.

Norton said she has worked under two wonderful librarians, Mary Louise Seldenfleur, and now, Carol Huotori.

“I’m not sure how I’ll feel when June comes. Then I look at the pre-K and know I won’t be reading to them, and I think of all the books I won’t be reading,” she said.

But her husband, Mike, is retired, and the couple wants to do more outside activities together, such as bicycling, hiking and canoeing. They also want to get to New Jersey more often to visit a granddaughter, as well as continue to follow the activities of a middle school grandson in Auburn.

When she hasn’t been reading to youngsters at the school, Norton is also a part-time administrative assistant at the Sumner Town Office and very active in the East Sumner church. She was once a freelancer for the Sun Journal.

She has four rescued cats and a dog, and hopes to get more animals, as well as resume preserving the bounty from her vegetable garden.

“I’d like to think I made a difference for at least one child and that they know I love them,” she said. “What I want kids to have when they leave this school is compassion for other people and animals. I want them to stand up for people and animals and to take a stand. And I want them to be proud to be an American.”