This is my eleventh year as a librarian, my eleventh Spring Break from the circulation desk. This is the first year as a librarian that I felt like I really, really needed the break.
I can't help but think of a pivotal moment at the end of my first year of librarianship. The library services director called me out of the blue, and asked,
"Do you still want to be a librarian?"
My first thought was that I had done something wrong, and said so. With a chuckle in her voice, she said no; in fact, she had heard that I asked smart questions and that I was doing a good job. She said the reason she asked was that it was the end of the first year of a career change, and wondered if I thought I made the right move.
Without hesitation, I said, "Yes! This is the first job in education I've had where I wake up every single day and am excited to go to work. Every. Single. Day. That didn't happen as a special education teacher or ARD facilitator. I liked those jobs, but I know I made the right choice becoming a librarian."
I carried that excitement for ten years. I'm working hard to keep that flame alive, despite changes and challenges, for year eleven. I feel like I still have some library work left to do; not ready to give up just yet!
The library is the best place in the school to be! I spent 4 years there, and I miss it!
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way, too, Dr Johnson, until I was placed on the specials rotation schedule this year. Gone is the time for me to collaborate with teachers, do push-in lessons in classes, teach research skills in depth, confer with instructional coaches...I didn't realize how much I enjoyed that part of the job until I lost the ability to do so.
DeleteYou are doing such good work. I hadn't considered becoming a librarian until a couple of years ago, but in this landscape? I feel like I'm not brave enough 😞😞 I am sorta feeling what you're describing as a classroom teacher though. Keep on keepin on. Enjoy your break!
ReplyDeleteI am concerned too, Britt, with the changes being made to our roles...and to the disappearance of school libraries altogether, in some places in our state.
Delete"Librarians are tour-guides for all of knowledge".
ReplyDelete"Librarians have always been among the most thoughtful and helpful people. They are teachers without a classroom. No libraries, no progress”.
I’ve watched and listened to you giving 100% plus to your duties as a Librarian. No one can ask more. Love Ya, Dad.
People need to realize what is happening to libraries and library funding...and speak up, vote accordingly.
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