The New York Times recently published an article stating that librarians are facing a “crisis of violence and abuse.” So I just thought you’d like to meet your local librarian.
I worked as a middle school librarian for 21 years, until I retired from the public school system. I earned a second masters degree in library science so I could leave the classroom and become a librarian. I never regretted that decision. I always called the library the happiest place in the school! A job surrounded by books and people who loved to read them. It was a wonderful career!
My Mother was a librarian in a very, very small town in the early 50s. I’m almost 80 and learned to read at a very young age. I’m forever indebted to my mom for teaching me to read and insisting I take a typing class in high school. I resisted on the typing class but to no avail. This was early 60s and she said you’ll thank me later. I did.
Ah, yes! A highschool typing class in the 60’s, during the summer, no less. Complete drudgery for me, but who knew how valuable that would turn out to be with what was to come. The Technology Train was just around the bend.
Thanks for reviving this memory. My father told me to take a summer typing class in the 60's, since it wasn't offered in the college prep curriculum. I had the last laugh when computers arrived at the workplace and I could put those skills to very good use. Thanks, Dad.
We were a poor military family and the library was a game changer for us. When my children were little they went to story hour and fell in love with books. I had a middle school teacher ask me one time how my daughter had such high comprehension and my answer was reading to her every night from library books they picked out and enjoyed. Then when they got older, they read to me. My husband was on the night shift on the flight line when I was pregnant for my surprise daughter and my son, who was 14 read me to sleep during pregnancy. I miss those days and hold them dear. My heart breaks for people that can’t escape through a good book. Thank you librarians.📕📖📚
Approximately 3 years ago our County Commissioners demolished our library because they wanted the land to build their new administrative complex. It was the first library built in our county as we are the county seat in Clayton County, Georgia. Their reasoning behind it was that no one uses a library anymore and that it needed repair. As a City Councilwoman I fought it and begged and pleaded with them, as did others, but they would not bend. My husband and I retrieved 150 bricks from the demolition and brought them home to build a little free library. Shortly after the demolition the County decided to build their complex at another location. There's now a vacant spot next to an elementary school where children and adults use to go to access books and other services. In a world of banned books and book deserts we desperately need our libraries and librarians. I now Chair the Board for Family Literacy of Georgia. Through grants, donations and the Little Free Library Organization we have now placed over 75 book boxes throughout the state of Georgia. I've been told our city will get another brick and mortar library but unfortunately there is no funding at this time. Thank you for reminding everyone about the importance of a library and a librarian.
How sad. And shortsighted. I am shocked. I hope your small town gets a library soon. We have many libraries around me even in small towns I want a mini library for my very small town. If I was a carpenter I would have made it by now.
I still remember the creak and waxy scent of the wooden floors, the large open windows, the silence, and all the books waiting in rows, saying "Pick me."
I was a librarian at a school, public library and a prison during my library career. But the greatest personal joy I received was helping an inmate who began reading encyclopedias at the library to graduating from community college before he was released. He worked in the library for me the last two years of his term. Coincidently, I discovered that his grandmother had been my college housemother. Small world!
WOW! Who knew? Love to read myself, but rarely books from the library. Usually just purchase them. Thank you for an enlightening column this snowy morning.
So far, since yesterday we have around seven inches and it is still snowing. Due to continue most of today. Be careful of space heaters. They can be dangerous if not handled with care.
The library is a place you can travel to anywhere, for a while be anyone you desire, learn of things you’ve only dreamed of, and the library is your travel agency, the librarian your tour guide.
Beautiful, even though I hated to read as a child and dreaded book assignments. Now I read for pleasure and take a therapy dog to a local library and read to children.
Totally agree. Alas, librarians, products of schools, often reflect the progressive thought in most colleges and universities. Still, many good books remain, and still more are finding their way on the shelves. Like most things in life, multifaceted.
Librarians change lives. I moved when I was ten to a new town and there was a library. For the first time, I could ride my bike and get so many books. The librarian would recommend books that were harder, but she knew I was ready for a challenge. I am so glad that libraries are no longer the places where a woman looks down her nose and tells everyone, "Shhhhhhhhhh!"
I never ever saw this world coming, to America no less. I taught in public schools for forty years in Fla. What they are trying to do our schools and teachers is an abomination. And even colleges.
I worked as a middle school librarian for 21 years, until I retired from the public school system. I earned a second masters degree in library science so I could leave the classroom and become a librarian. I never regretted that decision. I always called the library the happiest place in the school! A job surrounded by books and people who loved to read them. It was a wonderful career!
What a lovely, lovely column. Bless our librarians, and bless all our helpers.
My Mother was a librarian in a very, very small town in the early 50s. I’m almost 80 and learned to read at a very young age. I’m forever indebted to my mom for teaching me to read and insisting I take a typing class in high school. I resisted on the typing class but to no avail. This was early 60s and she said you’ll thank me later. I did.
Ah, yes! A highschool typing class in the 60’s, during the summer, no less. Complete drudgery for me, but who knew how valuable that would turn out to be with what was to come. The Technology Train was just around the bend.
Thanks for reviving this memory. My father told me to take a summer typing class in the 60's, since it wasn't offered in the college prep curriculum. I had the last laugh when computers arrived at the workplace and I could put those skills to very good use. Thanks, Dad.
We were a poor military family and the library was a game changer for us. When my children were little they went to story hour and fell in love with books. I had a middle school teacher ask me one time how my daughter had such high comprehension and my answer was reading to her every night from library books they picked out and enjoyed. Then when they got older, they read to me. My husband was on the night shift on the flight line when I was pregnant for my surprise daughter and my son, who was 14 read me to sleep during pregnancy. I miss those days and hold them dear. My heart breaks for people that can’t escape through a good book. Thank you librarians.📕📖📚
Story hour!!! Glad you added that! Great time and place for exposure to books and to hear expressive reading!!!!
Support the libraries!! Book-banning does the opposite.
Thank you Sean for recognizing these heroes.
Approximately 3 years ago our County Commissioners demolished our library because they wanted the land to build their new administrative complex. It was the first library built in our county as we are the county seat in Clayton County, Georgia. Their reasoning behind it was that no one uses a library anymore and that it needed repair. As a City Councilwoman I fought it and begged and pleaded with them, as did others, but they would not bend. My husband and I retrieved 150 bricks from the demolition and brought them home to build a little free library. Shortly after the demolition the County decided to build their complex at another location. There's now a vacant spot next to an elementary school where children and adults use to go to access books and other services. In a world of banned books and book deserts we desperately need our libraries and librarians. I now Chair the Board for Family Literacy of Georgia. Through grants, donations and the Little Free Library Organization we have now placed over 75 book boxes throughout the state of Georgia. I've been told our city will get another brick and mortar library but unfortunately there is no funding at this time. Thank you for reminding everyone about the importance of a library and a librarian.
How sad. And shortsighted. I am shocked. I hope your small town gets a library soon. We have many libraries around me even in small towns I want a mini library for my very small town. If I was a carpenter I would have made it by now.
I still remember the creak and waxy scent of the wooden floors, the large open windows, the silence, and all the books waiting in rows, saying "Pick me."
😆love it!
I was a librarian at a school, public library and a prison during my library career. But the greatest personal joy I received was helping an inmate who began reading encyclopedias at the library to graduating from community college before he was released. He worked in the library for me the last two years of his term. Coincidently, I discovered that his grandmother had been my college housemother. Small world!
WOW! Who knew? Love to read myself, but rarely books from the library. Usually just purchase them. Thank you for an enlightening column this snowy morning.
So far, since yesterday we have around seven inches and it is still snowing. Due to continue most of today. Be careful of space heaters. They can be dangerous if not handled with care.
Yes, take care with space heaters!!
I'm so glad God takes note of even the smallest kindness. I cried with the Grandpa now able to see his grandchild.
Touched my heartstrings as well!!!
The library is a place you can travel to anywhere, for a while be anyone you desire, learn of things you’ve only dreamed of, and the library is your travel agency, the librarian your tour guide.
Beautiful, even though I hated to read as a child and dreaded book assignments. Now I read for pleasure and take a therapy dog to a local library and read to children.
Neat! A faithful dog and a book to share with children! Creates a very nice image for me!
Thank you
Good for you, Carole!!!
Librarians are so powerful, it’s almost like they’re magic! They’re called librarians because “Book Wizard” is not an official job title.
While you may think you can find information on your own, a librarian is always there to help you understand it.
And saying you don’t need a librarian because you have the internet, is like saying you don’t need a math teacher because you have a calculator.
Thank you, Miss Fisk😇, for your treasured gift of turning me on to reading almost 70 years ago📚
And, Julie, I thank my 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Reed, for turning me on to reading!!!
Job well done, Mrs. Reed. Or better yet…thank you for your many Labors of Love for your students, especially Susie S.❣️
Thank you, Julie.❤️ ☺️
Book wizard! I love it.
Totally agree. Alas, librarians, products of schools, often reflect the progressive thought in most colleges and universities. Still, many good books remain, and still more are finding their way on the shelves. Like most things in life, multifaceted.
Perhaps their "progressive thoughts" emerge from being so "well-read".
Librarians change lives. I moved when I was ten to a new town and there was a library. For the first time, I could ride my bike and get so many books. The librarian would recommend books that were harder, but she knew I was ready for a challenge. I am so glad that libraries are no longer the places where a woman looks down her nose and tells everyone, "Shhhhhhhhhh!"
Libraries and librarians change lives.
I am a now retired Middle School Librarian from Gulf Coast Alabama. You are correct, librarians are under attack as are all educators! So sad!
I never ever saw this world coming, to America no less. I taught in public schools for forty years in Fla. What they are trying to do our schools and teachers is an abomination. And even colleges.
Thank you, Stephen!!!