tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061870849031468581.post8104884811980371163..comments2024-03-27T05:00:00.090-04:00Comments on Letters to a Young Librarian: So, You Want to Be a Children's Librarian, by Jenn EsteppJessica Olinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00282500023825318766noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061870849031468581.post-17821417025623742742014-02-21T20:39:47.433-05:002014-02-21T20:39:47.433-05:00Just wanted to add my two cents from the "oth...Just wanted to add my two cents from the "other side" of this coin. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061870849031468581.post-26020891036057752522014-02-21T20:37:51.738-05:002014-02-21T20:37:51.738-05:00I am one of the anger-inspiring children's lib...I am one of the anger-inspiring children's librarians who dislike children. Unlike you, after I unexpectedly became a children's librarian several years ago, I subsequently burnt out. I don't like kids at all and the only reason I'm still a children's librarian is until I find another job. The thing is, it's really not the kids' fault. Some libraries are just over-programmed. I feel like a school teacher. If that's what I wanted to be, that's what I would've gone to school for. Hence the burnout. But I don't want to be bad at my job, that's why I'm looking for a new one. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061870849031468581.post-16144089893266706542014-01-08T21:30:39.233-05:002014-01-08T21:30:39.233-05:00I don't know of anything that could help you. ...I don't know of anything that could help you. That's not really my area. Maybe your local public library could help you find something?Jessica Olinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00282500023825318766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061870849031468581.post-84524269200900247462014-01-08T01:47:45.621-05:002014-01-08T01:47:45.621-05:00Well, Jessica, I am not a young librarian but was ...Well, Jessica, I am not a young librarian but was drawn to your blogspot because of my darling five year old granddaughter, who like me, finds her love for reading and storytelling consuming a good part of her day. Forty years of collecting books, a good many of them for children, has brought me to a lovely place. All four of my grandchildren live nearby and spend lots of time at my home. All my collection of children's books are getting another round of loving attention! And now my little librarian, Grace, whose favorite places are libraries, museums, bookstores, and of course my home full of books in every room, wants to help me organize my library and of course, she wants to create a real lending library here for all the family and her speciAl friends. I came to your page as I've been gleaning ideas for our home library. I know the books must be organized and inventoried first and I wonder what you would recommend as library software or an internet app to get us started. Also places to find FUN library supplies that I can purchase in smaller amounts. I must get all my Christmas things put up in the next couple days because Gracie won't allow me another week of slack! "Let's get started today!" She may be just be the best up and coming little information specialist in the making! Thank you for your suggestions and advice and for the fabulous blog you share. Marlene Kaim, Houston, TxUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06268550189015682458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061870849031468581.post-5203811139321093302013-10-20T22:55:40.881-04:002013-10-20T22:55:40.881-04:00This is fantastic, and reassures me I am making th...This is fantastic, and reassures me I am making the right decision in pursuing my wish to become a children's librarian!Kamulgabillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16099132937553280201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061870849031468581.post-69599146099619820222012-08-17T23:07:00.604-04:002012-08-17T23:07:00.604-04:00Sarah, I don't know how many times I've wa...Sarah, I don't know how many times I've wanted to ask "Why are you doing this job?" to people. Social norms have prevented, but I can't help but wonder. And yes, working with children really does mean you're working with everyone in the community, some way or another.<br /><br />And Lauren, a big old YES to the performance thing. I couldn't fit everything into the post but did try to allude to that slightly. I'm pretty introverted by nature and still get nervous when doing presentations and such for adults, but performing for a roomful of kids? No problem. In fact, kids are one of the best audiences, I think. The fact that sometimes we get to wear costumes is just a bonus!Jennhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06586965415823926291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061870849031468581.post-39190575055937178012012-08-17T08:39:53.588-04:002012-08-17T08:39:53.588-04:00I agree with all of these 100%. One thing I'll...I agree with all of these 100%. One thing I'll add - you have to be okay with attention. I do a lot of programs, and wasn't ready for all the singing/dancing/etc. I get shy. But the other day I had to dress as Batgirl and run around singing "nanananananananana batman!" with the kids. You get used to it. ;) Laurenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04349631448644661717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4061870849031468581.post-53396228826708483612012-08-16T15:02:33.243-04:002012-08-16T15:02:33.243-04:00This is a great post Jenn, particularly the most b...This is a great post Jenn, particularly the most basic point: you have to like kids. I'm with you in that I've met children's librarians who seem to hate working with kids. WHY are you a children's librarian too.<br /><br />I think the most surprising thing for me about this job, and that you articulate so well, is how many kid-adjacent people I deal with. Really and truly, being a "kid" librarian is serving just about EVERYONE in the community in some way shape or form.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03143076553082307597noreply@blogger.com