Becoming a Librarian

Recently I decided to take on a new venture and become a high school librarian. After a year of working as a Professional Development Specialist, it was clear that I wanted to do something a bit different. A few things I missed were books, students, and a bigger connection to the school. When your main job is to support teachers and provide training to teachers, you become a bit removed from the students. And as a person who has loved books, literature, writing, and reading, it soon became clear that I lost something in this transition.

For many years I saw the librarian job as boring. I thought that I wouldn't have much excitement or engagement with students. I never really paid attention to what the librarian did on a daily basis. Over the summer, after reaffirming my love for reading, it became clear that I had too quickly judged the job. I started to wonder what it would be like to run my own library and to have the space and freedom that comes with this type of job.

It is no secret that I have a steep learning curve in my new position, but I am so excited to learn and take on the challenges that come along with the change. I love the freedom that I have of not being tied to a bell schedule and a classroom, and the position requires way more movement than I'd expected, which I am loving. I am walking way more than I was in the classroom. There are only so many laps you can make around the room, that became clear too quickly. The library is more open and it feels more freeing overall.

I am most thrilled about ordering books for our campus and really getting to know the students and what they love to learn/read. I am also so excited for decorating the space and reorganizing our collection. People keep commenting that it is my space and I am able to do what I want with it and to be honest, I am ready. I am ready to tackle the new space and decorate. I love designing and crafting things and being creative. It was something that I enjoyed doing in the classroom as well (developing curriculum).

I guess what I am saying is that you shouldn't limit yourself when thinking about your future career. Be open to new ideas and experiences. Remember your skills and what you really love doing on a daily basis. Try to find something that will bring all of those passions together and provide you with new opportunities to expand those skills.

I am just a couple days in on my new job. So maybe I will feel different in a few months, but I am hoping the only change will be that I love it even more.