Why I love Being a Librarian
Today, I ran across this article on Librarianship Studies, well… more of a collection of blurbs and quotes on why librarians from all around the world love their jobs. Besides being an entertaining read, it got me thinking about why I love being a librarian.
I’m a bit long winded, so I am not sure I can condense my feelings on the topic of librarianship down into a single sentence, so I thought I would dedicate an entire blogpost to the topic instead. Lucky you!
I first came to librarianship through my lifelong love of books. I was working on my undergrad in English because I had never really been interested in anything else. I have always loved the written word, so I went to school to study it. The problem with working on an English degree is that everyone you meet asks the same question, typically in a condescending tone. “What are you going to do with that, teach?”
“No,” I would reply simply.
The truth is, I really had no idea what I was going to do with my English degree. I just knew it was something I enjoyed studying and that I had absolutely zero desire to spend my life in a classroom.
Divine intervention in the form of a writing assignment found me interviewing a campus librarian on a research topic, a topic I can’t even remember now, but the conversation that occurred is what truly stuck with me. Instead of asking about my assignment, I began asking what it was like to be a librarian. I truly wish I could remember her name so I could write her a thank you note, because had that conversation never occurred it is highly likely I would not be in the position I am in today. After that meeting, I finally had a response other than, “No, I am not going to be a teacher,” for that inevitable question. Instead, I could say, “I am going to be a librarian.”
In hindsight, this realization should have come much sooner, but to a farm boy from the middle of nowhere Texas, simply being in college was a marvel all its own. I truly couldn’t fathom being something other than a blue collar worker. My whole family is blue collar. It is in my blood. Being something like a librarian had an almost mystical quality. Like Gandalf or Dumbledore, but in a cardigan, with a pencil bun. It didn’t seem like something I could ever achieve.
Some of that mystical quality of libraries comes from my own childhood memories of the library. I basically grew up in a library. I would walk to my local library everyday after school, because nothing is worse for a tweenage boy than sitting in a realtor’s office. So, I would go to the library instead to read fantasy books and work on homework until my grandma got off of work. For the young, there is often a magical quality to a library or a bookstore. As Stephen King once said, “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” It is difficult to conceptualize the power of the written word for the young as they can't even read yet. The library is a space to hear stories, make crafts, play, meet new friends, all while unknowingly absorbing knowledge and skills that will serve those kids for the rest of their lives. It really is magic.
Now, sitting on the other side of the circ desk, some of that magic is gone for me. I understand that the magic behind the public library is made possible by the tireless efforts of the public servants who work there. Volunteers, paraprofessionals, librarians, and administrators work to make the library an inviting space to all who come through our doors. The services, programs, speakers, and books are tailored to meet the unique needs of each community. While I may no longer be enamoured by the library, as I know how it operates, I get to bear witness to that magic played out in the excitement of visiting children and in the gratitude of the elderly patron receiving help in downloading an app. I get the magic of the library in the gracias of bilingual learners, and even in the messes left behind by teens who come in after school. As a librarian, I get to make that magic happen for others. That’s why I love being a librarian.
I’ve mentioned previously that I am an Eagle Scout. My formative years were a hodge podge of camping trips, merit badge colleges, and community service projects. That final one, I believe, had the largest impact on me. I am a public servant. Beyond my paid duties as a librarian, I spend a large chunk of my time volunteering for various community organizations like Lions Club, my church, various boards, commissions, and committees. I not only do this work because it is a passion of mine, but I view this service as a central part to my role as library director. It is my job to engage and be engaged in the community so that I may learn more about the services that are being offered and what gaps the library may fill. I love being a librarian because I enjoy connecting people with information, resources, and each other in an effort to build a better community. It’s not always easy, or enjoyable, but I find the work more fulfilling than any of the other jobs I have ever held.
Third, I have ADHD. This is a blessing and a curse, but it fits well with library work as everyday is different. Monday, I may be paying bills, buying books, and making sure we stay under budget. Tuesday could find me writing a grant application or filling in at a storytime because someone called in sick. Sometimes that all happens in a single day. Variety is the spice of life for someone with ADHD. That variety is amplified in a rural library setting. Large libraries tend to require a siloed work experience. In a smaller library, cross training is critical to the success of the library and for ensuring service needs are still being met if someone calls in sick or goes on vacation. Yes, you may walk in and find the director working the circ desk. Sometimes it is because he is tired of sitting in his office, and other times it is out of necessity to cover lunch breaks. I love that variety.
Finally, I love being a librarian because my work has an impact. Sometimes, I get to see that impact immediately in the relief on someone’s face as I help them solve a problem or locate a book. Other times, it may take years. As I age I’ve begun to see children who once sat on my storytime rug go off to college. Teens who came in after school are now bringing their own children to the library because they remember how much of a good time they had in the library when they were little, and they want to share that magic with their own child. I work in a small town. When I go to the grocery store and I run into people who have been coming to the library for English as a Second Language classes, and we get to trade a brief conversation back and forth, me in broken Spanish, them in excellent English, that’s impact. Knowing my work is making a difference, no matter how small, is why I love being a librarian.
In short, I love being a librarian for a multitude of reasons, but what I think it really boils down to is the people. Library work, while not always glamorous, does make a real difference in people’s lives.
I’m Justin. I write about librarianship, leadership, public service, and books. If you found this piece relatable, leave me a like or send me an email. Subscribe if you want more of what’s bouncing around in my head. If you found this article helpful, consider buying me a coffee.