Do not misconstrue this – I loved my time in the University at Buffalo’s M.S. Information & Library Science program. My professors and academic advisor were a wealth of knowledge, my classmates were equally as passionate about the field as I am, and the remote format of the program allowed me to have the flexibility to continue working in the public library.
But, like in most professions, there are some things you can’t be taught as a Children’s Librarian until you’re out in the “real world”–or, in this case, the Children’s Department of the public library. Here are five things I’ve learned in my hands-on experience in the field of Children’s Librarianship that I didn’t learn in my virtual classroom.
1. Stickers and stamps are the ultimate form of currency!
Kids love to leave the library with a little “prize”. In both public libraries I’ve worked in, stickers and stamps have been mostly used as rewards for monthly scavenger hunts in the Children’s Department. At my current library, we use “goodbye stamps” when kids are ready to leave the library for the day. Older kids genuinely get excited about picking out what stamp they’d like on their hand that day, while for younger children, the ritual can help them transition from the library to whatever comes next in their day. When doing outreach I almost always end classroom visits by letting each child pick a sticker, and sometimes I will even do this at the end of programs too.
2. You will become a crafting expert
There are some days when you will have paint all over your hands, glue and glitter everywhere, and a million paper scraps from all the things you’ve needed to cut out. Even if crafting isn’t your niche, there are countless free online resources for everything from Cricut tutorials to age-appropriate craft inspiration. Kids really do love to create, and whenever I give them freedom to do so I’m always amazed to see where their imaginations take them.
3. It’s imperative to stay up to date on youth pop culture.
This won’t just make you the “hip” or “cool” Children’s Librarian. Youth pop-culture seems to find its
way into nearly every aspect of your job–from reader’s advisory, programming, to even smaller details
like the coloring pages you print for the room or the prizes you choose for Summer Reading Club.
Knowing what’s popular in media, entertainment, and everyday trends helps you better understand the
population you serve. And when working with youth in this digital-age, there is always something new to
keep you on your toes!
4. Finding your own rhythm for storytime is like riding a bicycle…
Much like learning to ride a bicycle without training wheels, finding your rhythm for storytime is a
process of trial and error. But once you get the hang of it, it starts to feel almost like muscle memory.
Eventually you develop your own formula: your favorite read-alouds, the order you like to do your finger
plays, or whether you prefer using egg shakers, colored scarves, or bubble machine for an added flair.
Before you even realize it, storytime becomes second nature.
5. Some successes can be measured in smiles.
This isn’t to say numbers and data aren’t important. Metrics are a necessary and useful tool, especially in
public libraries. But there are some successes in a Children’s Department that can’t be measured by
circulation statistics, a door counter, or in monthly program attendance. Sometimes success is the child
who is so eager to show you the art project they’re made or the LEGO creation they’ve built. Sometimes
it’s a grown-up telling you that their child lines up all their stuffed animals and dolls at home and tries to
imitate your storytime. Sometimes it’s the excitement on students’ faces during a classroom visit because
they recognize you from their previous library visits. It looks a little different for every Children’s
Librarian, but it’s in these moments that you truly recognize the reach and impact of your worth.
These lessons may not be ones that always make their way into the classroom during library school–but they become some of the most rewarding parts of being a Children’s Librarian.
What are some unexpected lessons you’ve learned on the job that were never covered in library school?
Our guest contributor today is Isabella Ragona (she/her/hers). Isabella is a Children’s Librarian at the South Country Library in Bellport, NY. She is a graduate of Stony Brook University and the University at Buffalo. Her professional interests include children’s programming, early literacy, diverse and inclusive collections, and intellectual freedom. Outside of the library, Isabella can usually be found reading, crafting, attending a rock concert, or taking a dance class.
Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALS
If you are interested in submitting a guest post, please read and fill out our Guest Blogging Interest Form. We would love to hear from you!