There’s a storefront at our local mall that has a year-round sale where everything is 100% off. It reminds me a lot of my library, actually. Just today, when I left with 11 books, the bottom of my receipt said, “You saved $198.97 by using your library.” As an 80s baby, I grew up in the height of mall culture. The time I spent in malls, “window shopping” with my friends, rivals the time I spent in the library. The irony is not lost on me. Or perhaps it’s not irony, but a trope. A rivals-to-romance tale of two American institutions. (Tentatively titled A Court of Food and Beverages.) Or a tragedy, depending on who you ask. While malls have more than survived in cities like the one I was born and raised—Miami, Florida—they’ve struggled in places like the mid-sized North Central Florida college town I’ve called home for nearly…
Category: Slice of Life
posts about daily life experiences and reflections by ALSC members
Once Upon a Library in Fairyland: A True Story
True story: I just got back from Fairyland. Just ask my three (and a half!) year-old nibling. I’ve been an avid reader of fantasy since childhood. So, it shouldn’t have surprised me that Fairyland had a library.* It also shouldn’t have surprised me that the library was the most magical thing there. Which may seem subjective. But, following the logic of the fantasy genre, I would argue that we feel magic—not measure it.
Bookmark this Blog Post: When You’re Feeling Down, Here’s Some Youth Staff Inspiration!
Librarians are a passionate group of people. I think I speak for all of us when I say we didn’t get into this job for the glamour or the paycheck; we got into it for love of our communities and a genuine passion for literacy. That passion can carry you a long way, but there are always unexpected detours and bumps in the road. Maybe you’re dealing with budget cuts. Maybe your building is under renovation. Maybe you’re facing censorship attempts, staffing shortages, or a team with conflicting personalities. Maybe programming isn’t landing the way you hoped or you’re feeling pressure to justify your department’s value. Maybe you’re burnt out from wearing too many hats or frustrated by the gap between what your community needs and what you have resources to provide. Whatever it is, you’re not alone. I’m the Assistant Children’s Director at Rogers Public Library in Rogers, Arkansas….
Resolutions You Can Use: Rethinking Library Resolutions for 2026
As we enter a new year, we often reflect on our resolutions and goals for the months ahead. While libraries may follow programming seasons, academic calendars, or municipal budget cycles, the start of a new year is still a fresh chapter. As we turn the page into 2026, it’s an opportunity to refresh our programs and processes. Should we open a new chapter for community needs or professional growth? Here’s how I’m approaching library resolutions this year.
My Visit to the American Library in Paris—and Other Delightful Places!
Bonjour, ALSC friends! In September, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend and present at the Sixteenth International Conference on the Image at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne in Paris, France. A conference in the City of Light—lucky me!
Thank You, Library: A Season of Gratitude
The library gives me countless reasons for gratitude. From giggles bouncing out of storytime to connecting with colleagues across the country, the joy far outweighs the challenges. This season, I’m being more intentional about thankfulness. Here are just a few things I’m especially grateful for this season.
From Shy Questions to Starry Dreams: Libraries Impact Lives
My goal as a librarian has always been to provide patrons with information that changes their lives in their moment of need. That may sound dramatic, but I’ve seen it happen enough times to know. I believe in our ability to use little moments to enact life-changing impacts. Printing a patron’s resume might finalize the interview for their dream job. Directing a caregiver to the right storytime might introduce their little one to a lifetime love of books. Helping an avid reader find their next book might inspire a new reading journey. These little moments, easily overlooked, have great impacts. They repeatedly and consistently prove the value of libraries, yet often start with something as small as a whispered question. Let me tell you a story of our impact in action.
Librarian Vacation Preparation
When you have a trip planned during programming season, what do you do to prepare? I have my little brother’s wedding this coming weekend across the country (yay!) and I have been hard at work preparing for my absence at work and at home. I’m sure it is different depending on your position and work tasks, but I will share some of my vacation preparation.