I love learning. I have a B.A. in English and Art History, a M.A. in English Literature, and a Master of Library Science.
I love the arts. All of them. However, reading and writing are particularly dear. Reading allows me to escape, awakens my imagination, and encourages me to question the world around me; writing gives me a clarity of thought that my speech cannot provide.
As a librarian, I get to continuously explore these subjects that I already love. Before becoming a librarian, I taught high school English for four years. I enjoyed teaching and building relationships with my students, but I hated being bound by curriculum and testing. Becoming a librarian allowed me to continue with the aspects of my job that I enjoyed, incorporate my passions, and avoid the elements that didn't suit me.
That said, the most spectacular part of being a librarian (lips pursed against an upright finger: shhhhhh...) is that it totally makes me a rebel. Librarians like to push the envelope; we’re enormous advocates for intellectual freedom; we protect patrons' privacy; and we want free access to all information for everyone. Knowledge is the commodity we proffer, and because of that, I have the distinct pleasure of helping individuals find themselves through literature and media, help them come to their own conclusions, with no judgement, and teach them how to self-educate. I am no longer restricted in content, and it is exhilarating being able to discuss all literature with all patrons, as well as being able to create and administer library programming that engages my community. Currently, I am a high school librarian, so I read a lot of fantastic YA lit and am lucky enough to teach and interact with a diverse student population.
As a librarian, I am able to incorporate multiple passions seamlessly into my profession, and the arts have been a constant driving force throughout my literary pursuits. Every year since I've been a librarian, during Banned Books Week, I discuss censorship, and Mapplethorpe and NWA are always go-to art references. I most recently designed a display matching songs to novels, and I created a lesson incorporating YA authors, their musical inspirations, Kendrick Lamar, The Pulitzer Prize, and activism. Finding connections between differing arts and human nature drives me personally and professionally.
I love being a librarian.
I love the arts. All of them. However, reading and writing are particularly dear. Reading allows me to escape, awakens my imagination, and encourages me to question the world around me; writing gives me a clarity of thought that my speech cannot provide.
As a librarian, I get to continuously explore these subjects that I already love. Before becoming a librarian, I taught high school English for four years. I enjoyed teaching and building relationships with my students, but I hated being bound by curriculum and testing. Becoming a librarian allowed me to continue with the aspects of my job that I enjoyed, incorporate my passions, and avoid the elements that didn't suit me.
That said, the most spectacular part of being a librarian (lips pursed against an upright finger: shhhhhh...) is that it totally makes me a rebel. Librarians like to push the envelope; we’re enormous advocates for intellectual freedom; we protect patrons' privacy; and we want free access to all information for everyone. Knowledge is the commodity we proffer, and because of that, I have the distinct pleasure of helping individuals find themselves through literature and media, help them come to their own conclusions, with no judgement, and teach them how to self-educate. I am no longer restricted in content, and it is exhilarating being able to discuss all literature with all patrons, as well as being able to create and administer library programming that engages my community. Currently, I am a high school librarian, so I read a lot of fantastic YA lit and am lucky enough to teach and interact with a diverse student population.
As a librarian, I am able to incorporate multiple passions seamlessly into my profession, and the arts have been a constant driving force throughout my literary pursuits. Every year since I've been a librarian, during Banned Books Week, I discuss censorship, and Mapplethorpe and NWA are always go-to art references. I most recently designed a display matching songs to novels, and I created a lesson incorporating YA authors, their musical inspirations, Kendrick Lamar, The Pulitzer Prize, and activism. Finding connections between differing arts and human nature drives me personally and professionally.
I love being a librarian.
