Personal Philosophy

Personal Philosophy of Services & Programs to Youth

Libraries are constantly changing.  In every department there should be a growing and changing collection, an inviting space, knowledgeable and friendly librarians, various programs for all ages, and a variety of other activities for patrons to enjoy.  The library is a place where people come to learn, come to be happy, come to meet people, and to be part of a growing community.

Until recently, knowledge of how to program events for children and young adults has been a blank canvas.  However, with the growing children’s librarians, access to various programming and librarianship techniques, creating programs and a library that people want to come to has become easier.  Librarian's want to promote reading and lifelong eduction, create culture relevant programs, provide a love for lifelong reading and education, and to defend all choices of patron's reading.

Libraries have always been a place to find information.  However, librarians have wanted to change that image for years; the image that the library is only a place to read or do research.  Libraries need to be places where people feel welcome, where they have access to various databases, collections, computers, programs, and are able to spend time in an environment where they feel comfortable in addition to being able to learn.

All patrons, including teens and children need to be able to connect to educated, interested, knowledgeable, ever-learning, accepting and changing librarians.  If a teen comes into a library and is able to discuss a book, a graphic novel, or a new video game with a librarian, that teen is more likely to come in more often, bring people with him/her, and be part of the library’s future. 

The teenage years are the most confusing time for teens because they are trying to find out who they are.  Do we want them to be a library user or not?  I do.  By creating an inviting space, access to materials that they want to use (without judgment), and bringing in new materials such as video games, computer games, and the newest up and coming materials will ensure returning teens.

Children’s programming also helps children learn in ways that parents never thought they would.  Children’s programs need to be repetitive and fun to help younger children learn and engage themselves.  Programs also teach new material to show the various materials out there. Physical activity in programming helps all ages be entertained, focused, and assists in learning song and dance as well as learning the joy of anticipation of a favorite song or activity.  These activities within the library can be taken home and enjoyed as well.  And being able to use something learned at the library is what librarians love to see.

Also being connected to other sources that provide similar materials and programs such as school libraries, churches, youth groups, boy/girl scouts, etc. allows for libraries to share ideas, bring in new groups of people, and introduce our patrons to new and interesting communities outside of the library.  Having similar agendas and patrons allows for libraries to expand their outreach base.  Bringing in one more patron to enjoy something they never knew existed is something I want to do.  A thousand would be better, but starting with just one is a perfect start; and that is why the outside community plays such an important role in the inner workings of the library.

The library should be a place where children and young adults go to enjoy themselves.  Not only will there be plenty of informative books and databases, but there will be video games, the newest graphic novels, chapter books, school reading lists, computers, and tons of programs.  Being involved in the library creates a community that people do not have anywhere else.  If children experience this while they’re young, they’ll continue to enjoy the library as they get older.