Why I Love Being a Children's Librarian

Besides getting to see all the new materials and read them first in my favorite reading chair at home so I know what to recommend to kids....

Besides connecting kids to information resources and answering their questions....

Besides running into a parent who I had in storytime when they were kids who tell me how much I meant to them and their love of libraries and books (and meeting their kids!)...

Besides working with colleagues in my library, the state, the blogosphere, and across the country who so generously share ideas and energy...

Besides loving to talk to kids and tease them and bring a smile out....

Besides connecting to other youth serving organizations in the community to do even better work for kids...

Well, besides all of the above, I love my work because I think nothing is better than connecting kids, books and libraries together in one big happy mish-mash.

Why do you love children's library work?

Image: 'I Love to Read'  www.flickr.com/photos/90819592@N00/775089650

Wowser!

The news hit today that I have been selected as this year's Wisconsin Library Association Librarian of the Year!!!  This is such an amazing  - and such an unexpected  - honor.  The confidence that the nominators and colleagues who supported the nomination showed in me really touches me deeply.  And I am humbled.

I think I am not unique in trying every day to do a good job at the library for my public and my co-workers.  As a front-line librarian and most recently manager, I have spent alot of time at the knees of my colleagues and friends in the library world soaking in their thoughts and opinions; their ideas and energy.  I have learned from the families who have come in, from the kids and from the many partners in the community who have helped me see what a library for kids can be. Each day I learn something new that can make my work better.

After a thirty-four year career, I am happy to share and support younger colleagues and those new to the profession to step out and up and shine, shine, shine. So many of my mentors did this for me as a young thing and opened the world of librarianship in a deep and fundamental way that changed me from having a job to having a career.  And I know I am not unique in giving this type of support. So many of my friends and colleagues in my age cohort are doing this and much more for proteges.

I don't think I am very different for any other librarian who works with kids.  And I hope, on behalf of all the hard working children's and teen librarians out there, I can accept this honor for them as well.  Youth folks rock!!

Image: 'Erin [118/365]'   http://www.flickr.com/photos/62359756@N00/1096159720