My name is Lydia R, and I’ll be working in Community Engagement with a youth focus for this year’s internship at Skokie Public Library in conjunction with the MLIS program at Dominican University. This is my third semester at Dominican, and I’m so excited to be working at Skokie. Not only is it my childhood library, so I feel right at home, it is also my first experience working in a library. This internship is the exact opportunity I need to get a feel for public library work, and get the chance to know what path I’ll want to take after graduation next year. I am very grateful for the opportunity, and for my mentor, Holly.
We had two full days of orientation, which let us really get to know each other as a cohort. I am looking forward to building this relationship and connection with my fellow students/interns/library ladies. The three of us also got to meet many of the SPL staff members, who are all enthusiastic, friendly, and helpful. These brief interactions help me to know this is the kind of environment I want to be working in.
Learning more about the library’s strategic plan; its stance on equality, diversity, and inclusion; its staff culture; and its dedication to good customer service truly demonstrate how SPL is committed to strengthening the community by supporting schools, businesses, and individual community members. Being a part of such a welcoming environment is refreshing and exciting, and I look forward to what’s to come.
Welcome back to SPL! I’m glad the orientation helped lay the groundwork for good relationships in your cohort and with staff. Looking forward to a great year for all of you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lydia it’s been great getting to know you! I can’t imagine how exciting it must be for you to be working in your childhood library. It’s like you get to learn all the secrets of the library that you never knew when you were a kid. You are so friendly and inviting I’m sure that everyone will want to go to any of the events that you will be a part of. The staff at Skokie has been nothing but welcoming to us, and it’s such a pleasure to get to work and learn with everyone here.
LikeLike
Lydia,
SPL really does have such a strong feel of community when you walk through the door and having learned more about the Strategic Plan (as you had mentioned) it’s so easy to see why! Did you have that same feeling when you walked in as a child?
I’m so glad to have you as part of my cohort and get to have this shared experience with you! I can’t wait to see what you do in the youth department and learn more about it through your experience!
LikeLike
Welcome to the library, Lydia! I think a lot of people have a special connection to their childhood library. It’s cool that you get to have this experience at yours!
LikeLike