How a Library Program Made Me Want to Become a Librarian

If we went back to when I was eleven years old, I don’t think I would have thought I’d be a librarian as an adult. I liked the library as a child - going to craft programs and playing on the computer, but books weren’t really my friend. I struggled with comprehension a lot, so instead of reading being a pleasure, it was more of a task. One summer, my parents sent me to the library a couple days a week to read to a tutor.

Again, I liked the library, so I’m glad I at least had to learn in that environment. I don’t remember much of the tutoring, but what I do remember is sitting with this woman – I wish I could remember her name, but I do remember her hair was white – and she gave me Junie B. Jones to read. The tutor told me I had to read a certain number of chapters when I got home, but I remember finishing the whole book. I loved Junie B. Jones and how imperfect she was! I felt like I had a new friend, and I felt proud of myself for finishing a book that I could comprehend.

As an adult, that moment made me realize how important programs at the libraries are. The library is a safe, fun space for children. This summer, every Monday night from 7:00pm to 7:30pm, I run a program called Creative Corner for Tweens and Teens where tweens and teens spend time working on crafts and getting the chance to express themselves. So far, we experimented with oil pastels and created our own graphic novels. Other programs will involve painting canvases and making art by reusing items like CDs.

I am really excited to get my Crochet for Kids program started on Tuesdays from 2:00pm-3:00pm. When I was a child, I taught myself how to crochet, and I did not know any other children who knew how to crochet. This program is a great space for kids to connect with other kids who enjoy the same hobby as they do.

On Wednesdays, I have a STEAM program called Discovery Time for ages 3-5. We will create different experiments and learn through science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Children love getting their hands messy and they love learning something new.

On Thursdays, I have a learning how to draw for beginners program. So many children have attended and they were excited to draw with other children and see how their drawings came out. My classes involve teaching them how to draw from something as simple as a number. They drew a ladybug and a giraffe from the numbers 0 and 1, and after they were done, they created a background of their drawings. I asked them what did they want to draw next time, and they said a centipede, a unicorn, and a rainbow.

I recently graduated in May with my degree in Library and Information Science, and the Mercer County Library System is my first job as a librarian. Come to Hickory Corner to say hi! I am really excited to put on programs for children and have them spend their summer expressing themselves through art and science. And if you ever need to figure out what to read, I can help! Also, Novelist Plus for adults and Novelist K-8 Plus for children are great online sources to find your next favorite book. There is a book out there for everyone. I told my students in my drawing class that everyone’s drawing is not going to look like mine or the neighbor’s next to them. Their drawing is going to be unique and special because no one else’s drawing is going to be like it. Children have so many skills and they deserve a space to use them, and I’m happy to be a part of the Mercer County Library System where that can happen.

-Lauren L, Hickory Corner