For Thanksgiving I went back home to Denver, where I revisited some of my favorite libraries and bookstores. Walking into the Central Library downtown, I realized that I was seeing the library with new eyes. I stood there, under a giant chicken skeleton, in awe of my home library buzzing with questions.
Curiosity about the inner workings of the library filled my head as I walked around the children’s area, “Do they have a closet full of puppets hidden away somewhere like Skokie? How does a library system with multiple branches differ from one with only one branch? How do they plan their programs and displays? etc…” It’s amazing how much my time here at Skokie has shaped how I look at libraries; how it has strengthened my passion for all things library. I found that my desire to help and give back to my communities ran even deeper than I had thought.
The highlight of my visit to the library was when someone mistook me for a librarian and asked for book recommendations for their daughter. From what I learned here at Skokie and at Dominican, I was actually able to help her! This happened again later at a local bookstore; it made me reflect on what it was about me that made people think that I was a librarian/bookseller. At first I chalked it up to appearance (glasses, cardigan, hair in a bun), but it felt like it had to be more than that. Perhaps all the things I have learned at Dominican and Skokie shined through me like a beacon, drawing people to me. Or maybe they heard me recommend books to my brother and assumed that I worked at the respective locations as a result. Who can say! Either way, I’m thankful for everything I have learned so far at Skokie and Dominican and I am so grateful that I can put my new skills to practice even outside the library.
Thanks for sharing. I love visiting libraries whenever I travel to a new area. Glad you’re learning so much during your internship experience.
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I think librarians give off an aura and people are just naturally drawn to us when they have questions!
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How can you incorporate that giant chicken skeleton into your Bird storytime?! Hmmmm…..
Being able to be “on” at Skokie has definitely helped to build confidence, and put many things into perspective. It’s an invaluable experience! You always give great recommendations! From your work at Butler, and now at Skokie, you always know the newest and best resources for kids. Personally, that’s a skill that I’ve been trying to keep up with. It will be interesting to see how that changes when we’re done with school, and don’t have homework. I have almost forgotten what reading for pleasure is! After our YA class, I’m very much looking forward to reading an Adult Fiction book over break, lol.
I’m glad you had a good visit home!
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I have to agree with Lydia that your experience thus far with multiple resources has really shaped a skillset in you that it hard to keep up with! I knew from day one of meeting you that you had 100% found the field and career that would suit you and keep you interested!
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Libraries do have a way of getting “in your blood”! It’s a good sign that your work is aligning with your innate interests and passions. Although you’ll never be able to just enjoy a library as a patron again–you’ll always be analyzing and assessing!
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I love it! You just emanate librarianship. Glad to hear your school and internship experience is reinforcing what you already knew about yourself!
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