Slice of Life Day 1: When I Decided to Become a Librarian

I thought this might be the perfect introduction for my first post of the Slice of Life Challenge. Plus, one of the kids at work literally asked me when I decided to become a librarian last night. So the story’s fresh in my mind.

I was one of those rare kids that decided my profession at a young age. At seven when I walked up to the tall check-out desk at my local library and looked up to the woman at the desk. I asked how old I had to be to start working in the library. She crushed my little heart by replying, “You must be 14 to start volunteering.” I think that day I had made up my mind to become a librarian. And honestly, I haven’t looked back since!

Two days after my 14th birthday, I walked back into that same library, with the same staff of four and started volunteering. A year later they offered me a part-time job. I spent the better part of high school and college in the library working after school and on the weekends. In fact, on prom night, I stopped by the library so that my second-family could see my dress.

The ladies that I worked with were caring, loving, and amazing teachers. I did just about everything a librarian can do! I shelved material, checked out patron materials, answered reference questions, planned storytime and book discussions, cataloged, and covered material. It’s a small-town library, so an extra pair of hands is needed in just about every area of the library. I knew the regulars who came in to pick up their holds, the kids who came in weekly for storytime, and the collection like the back of my hand.

After college, I went straight to graduate school for Information and Library Science. Graduated over Memorial Day weekend two years later and started as a children’s librarian on June 2, 2008. Eight years later, I became the Library Director in the same library. I now oversee a staff of more than 45 people and a thriving library with a rich history and a bright future.

I can honestly say that this is my calling, it was what I am meant to do with my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Slice of Life Challenge is something new I’m trying this month! I’ll be posting brief posts that show a glimpse of my life in story-format. A slice of my life as a librarian and blogger that I hope you enjoy!