My Library Story
I graduated from IPFW in May 2010 with my Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. I was offered and accepted an internship with the Social Security Administration after graduation, and was promoted to Claims Representative at the conclusion of my internship. I learned a great deal and gained confidence during my time at Social Security, but it was not a good fit for my personality. While I was able to help people by making sure their disability claims were processed and their benefit payments were made on time, I desired to be able to connect and affect change on a more personal level. After leaving Social Security, I struggled with what my path should be. I tried various jobs, eventually getting a position as a tutor at Ivy Tech Community College. Although I enjoy tutoring, I still did not feel fulfilled. I started researching jobs and Master’s programs that I thought would be a good fit. It eventually dawned on me that I have always loved the library and that it had been there for me throughout my entire life. I knew I would be able to work with people directly and make a positive impact there. After researching the qualifications it would require to succeed in librarianship, I decided to enroll in the MLS program at IUPUI and began volunteering at the ACPL Georgetown branch library.
The staff at Georgetown recognized my passion and enthusiasm and would give me special projects and tasks to work on. Eventually, I was offered a summer position as a Children’s Assistant. That position allowed me to become more involved and develop my love for the power of the library even further. I was able to assist with many youth programs and learn more about the inner workings of a library. After my summer position ended, the managers at Georgetown helped me become a Temporary Librarian I so I could continue working at the library as a sub. I kept looking for permanent positions at ACPL and eventually was offered a full-time position as a Librarian I/Branch Floater. The position was a big adjustment. Learning the procedures at thirteen different branches was a bit overwhelming at first. In my time as a floater, however, I worked hard to make positive contributions to each branch and create positive relationships with my coworkers and customers. I truly loved and learned a great deal from each and every branch. When I was approached about being trained to lead storytimes, I was nervous but honored and excited because working with youth is something I had always wanted to do. I learned about the amazing benefits of storytimes and how the activities done there can help youth gain early literacy skills that have a major impact on their lives. I loved that we could help parents learn about these skills so they can easily help their children on their own, regardless of their economic background. I was told to make my storytime my own, so I decided to integrate some self-esteem building strategies. I created an an affirmation, that is said with accompanying physical movements, that my storytime attendees really seemed to enjoy. I shared my idea in a children's librarian storytime group on social media and had several librarians across the country decide to integrate my affirmation into their own storytimes. My experiences leading storytimes, and connecting with other library professionals in the youth field has affirmed that I was meant for librarianship.
I earned my Master of Library Science with a specialization in Youth Services from IUPUI in May 2017. Soon after graduating, I was offered an amazing opportunity to be the Youth Librarian at the busy ACPL Aboite Branch. I enthusiastically jumped in and began working with the other staff at Aboite to transform the Children's department into a fun and inclusive space that has become a destination for families to come together to learn, play, and grow. I have worked hard to develop a diverse collection of children's books so children of all backgrounds can find something where they are represented. I have developed and expanded programming for children, teens, homeschoolers, and families, ensuring we have programs for everyone. I ensure that we have programs available at different times of day, night, and on the weekends so working families are able to experience our fantastic programming as well. I take a lot of pride in the work I have done at the Aboite Branch, and the positive comments and increasing number of participants at our programs has affirmed that my work has made a positive impact on the community.
Working as a youth librarian has been a dream come true. I have a great passion not only for impacting our library customers, however, but supporting our fantastic and dedicated staff as well. I make an effort to connect with every staff member and volunteer and give positive feedback whenever I can. I want to be someone on whom the rest of the staff can trust and rely on; I make sure to ask for feedback and suggestions, and work to show the other staff that their opinions matter and are taken into deep consideration. I would like to extend my reach beyond the youth departments into managing adults as well. I think it is important to strengthen bonds between the library and the community, and I would like to have a greater influence on our collection and services. I believe in being helpful and welcoming to every customer that walks through the doors. I am very grateful for all of the opportunities I have been afforded and I am excited to continue to learn and grow with the ever-evolving field of librarianship!
The staff at Georgetown recognized my passion and enthusiasm and would give me special projects and tasks to work on. Eventually, I was offered a summer position as a Children’s Assistant. That position allowed me to become more involved and develop my love for the power of the library even further. I was able to assist with many youth programs and learn more about the inner workings of a library. After my summer position ended, the managers at Georgetown helped me become a Temporary Librarian I so I could continue working at the library as a sub. I kept looking for permanent positions at ACPL and eventually was offered a full-time position as a Librarian I/Branch Floater. The position was a big adjustment. Learning the procedures at thirteen different branches was a bit overwhelming at first. In my time as a floater, however, I worked hard to make positive contributions to each branch and create positive relationships with my coworkers and customers. I truly loved and learned a great deal from each and every branch. When I was approached about being trained to lead storytimes, I was nervous but honored and excited because working with youth is something I had always wanted to do. I learned about the amazing benefits of storytimes and how the activities done there can help youth gain early literacy skills that have a major impact on their lives. I loved that we could help parents learn about these skills so they can easily help their children on their own, regardless of their economic background. I was told to make my storytime my own, so I decided to integrate some self-esteem building strategies. I created an an affirmation, that is said with accompanying physical movements, that my storytime attendees really seemed to enjoy. I shared my idea in a children's librarian storytime group on social media and had several librarians across the country decide to integrate my affirmation into their own storytimes. My experiences leading storytimes, and connecting with other library professionals in the youth field has affirmed that I was meant for librarianship.
I earned my Master of Library Science with a specialization in Youth Services from IUPUI in May 2017. Soon after graduating, I was offered an amazing opportunity to be the Youth Librarian at the busy ACPL Aboite Branch. I enthusiastically jumped in and began working with the other staff at Aboite to transform the Children's department into a fun and inclusive space that has become a destination for families to come together to learn, play, and grow. I have worked hard to develop a diverse collection of children's books so children of all backgrounds can find something where they are represented. I have developed and expanded programming for children, teens, homeschoolers, and families, ensuring we have programs for everyone. I ensure that we have programs available at different times of day, night, and on the weekends so working families are able to experience our fantastic programming as well. I take a lot of pride in the work I have done at the Aboite Branch, and the positive comments and increasing number of participants at our programs has affirmed that my work has made a positive impact on the community.
Working as a youth librarian has been a dream come true. I have a great passion not only for impacting our library customers, however, but supporting our fantastic and dedicated staff as well. I make an effort to connect with every staff member and volunteer and give positive feedback whenever I can. I want to be someone on whom the rest of the staff can trust and rely on; I make sure to ask for feedback and suggestions, and work to show the other staff that their opinions matter and are taken into deep consideration. I would like to extend my reach beyond the youth departments into managing adults as well. I think it is important to strengthen bonds between the library and the community, and I would like to have a greater influence on our collection and services. I believe in being helpful and welcoming to every customer that walks through the doors. I am very grateful for all of the opportunities I have been afforded and I am excited to continue to learn and grow with the ever-evolving field of librarianship!