What a Great Time to be a Librarian!

On a Christmas shopping trip to Topeka, I found myself unable to leave town without stopping by a book store.  It is a staple on nearly every trip to the city. I wandered through the store shelves and took in the sights and smells like a tourist on the streets of Las Vegas or New York City. As I gazed longingly at the lovely volumes aligned perfectly on the shelves, I remembered why I came to work in libraries;  I love books, particularly children’s books. 

My response to anyone who looked questioningly at my presence in the children’s area of the book store, “I’m a librarian” as if this were to explain away any notion as to why I was sitting cross-legged on the floor with stacks of picture books surrounding me.  Alone, not a child in sight, just a forty-something-year-old surrounded by her treasures, her books. 

This is how my friends came to find me.  Carefully examining each selection, deciding which would be worthy to take home and sit among the riches on my home book shelf.   Book lovers as well, my friends did not pressure me into a hasty decisions, they were both happy for a few more minutes to enjoy the atmosphere.

 

It is not just the books that keep us coming back to work, however.  Most librarians will say they like people.  They like to talk with visitors about what they are reading and personally, helping patrons find answers or something new to read is the most rewarding part of my job.  Seeing a child get excited about what they are reading is infectious. 

It may seem odd, but many librarians find themselves in libraries while on vacation.  Sometimes, they stop in for directions, an answer to a question, or to check email, but sometimes they just feel the need to visit the books.  They seek to see if this new library carries a favorite book, see the variety of materials in the local history section or on the new book shelf, what events or book discussion are being held and what type of services are offered to assist patrons.  I imagine that we librarians visit libraries and bookstores like artists visit museums or architects look at buildings.  We are not really spying, just looking for inspiration and new ideas to bring home to our patrons. 

Eventually, a few children wandered into the bookstore.  A child so excited about reading that he went from shelf to shelf telling his parent about seeing a book in the school book order or needing the next title in a particular series.  His arms were full of books and he kept saying he needed more.  So exciting!   Sometime later, two little girls picked up some of the stuffed book characters, stepped on the mini-stage and proceeded to put on a play.  Completely impromptu, the show starred Piggie and Elephant, Dragon, Junie B. Jones and Clifford the Big Red Dog.  The girls made up the story as they went and became more animated once they realized they had a live audience.  These girls were readers.  They knew how the characters behaved and what they would say.  I envy their imaginations and confidence.

Although my library journey has taken me down a new road, I am hopeful that there are a host of ways I can assist you in assisting your young patrons and their families.  I am looking forward to the opportunity in the coming months when I have a chance to meet you in person, visit your library and see the exciting things you are doing.  What a great time to be a librarian!

One of my best days...Miss Diedre, Miss Pam, Me & Ernie  PBS Pajama Stoytime -- August 2011