A look into a day in the life of a librarian.
Have you ever wondered just what does a librarian do? What are they doing back there behind the counter? Is checking books out or in the only part of the counter work? We have the privilege of hearing what a day in the life of a librarian is like and put a face and life behind it. Our lovely librarian, Georgia, was willing to sit down and briefly fill us in.
I absolutely love books. There’s just something about the feel and sound of the paper that just can’t compete with an e-book. Even the musty smell of an old much loved book is full of good memories of past splendid adventures of the mind. My nightstand wouldn’t be complete without a stack of “to be read” books.
So, maybe I should work in a library? If I ever worked for a book store, I would never get paid–EVER! I would spend my paycheck on a running tab of books I MUST bring home.
Hello to our lovely Librarian, would you introduce yourself, a little about your interests, hobbies, likes, your cute little dog?
My name is Georgia. I have always loved reading, enjoy a good cooking show (okay I admit I even watch the not so good ones, but hey, it’s food!) I have been thinking about learning to crochet. I have a 28-year-old son who recently moved to Seattle to work in the IT field. He is living his best life. It is nice to know that I raised a fully functioning human.
I was lonely when he moved away, so of course I rescued a puppy. His name is Cooper and he is part Dachshund and Chihuahua. He is a Chiweenie. I must admit it is a bit like having a toddler again, but so much fun. He is a great snuggle buddy.
What led you to want to be involved in the library field?
I always wanted to be a librarian, just didn’t have the opportunity until later in life to get my degree. There were many jobs that did not inspire me and I got bored very quickly and moved on to something else. Being able to get my teaching certificate and become a school librarian led me down a crazy path to working for the Army library in the children’s room.
I realized that I wanted to get a library degree and needed to do it before it was too late. At the age of 50 I went back to school and graduated with a Master’s degree at 52. I worked for the military (Army, Navy, Marine Corp and Coast Guard) before returning to Yakima where I was raised.
What did it take / training did it require?
As a manager, I had to get a Masters in Library Information and Science. I am very proud of the fact that I am the only person in my immediate family to have a Master’s degree.
Is there a specialty or specific part of your field that you really love?
I love children’s services; story times are so much fun. I did that for ten years. Now I thoroughly enjoy my role as a manager and mentor to my staff.
What does a typical day look like for a you as a librarian?
Short answer…..When I was a librarian and not a manager, my days were spent planning story times, making displays, helping people find books and movies, checking things in and out, cleaning and repairing books and of course shelving everything. Now as a manager I work on library projects, manage staff, order books, manage the collection, sit on committees, lead a team of people, attend meetings and sometimes do all of the things I did when I was the librarian. I still work with people daily, but so much of my job as a manager is paperwork.
What are the possibilities for someone who wants to pursue being a librarian?
I always tell folks interested in becoming a librarian that if I can do it…anyone can. It is an exciting field that changes rapidly yet somehow stays the same. I am always happy to help people get on the library path if they are interested in the field. I do always tell them that it is not the career for you if you do not like people.
Do you have current goals/ projects/ bucket lists items you are working on professionally or personally?
Personally, I would like to retire in a few years, do some traveling around the U.S., and spend time in a warmer climate during the winter months.
Professionally, I am becoming more involved in the Washington Library Association (WLA). I help plan conferences and am currently the Vice-Chair of the Public Library Division of WLA.
What are a few of your favorite reads, genres, or any great literature you love or would always have on your bookshelf?
I used to love scary books, until I scared myself silly. I have moved on to the more gentle cozy mysteries. I enjoy cookbooks, self-help books, memoirs, and almost anything with a cover that catches my eye. Yes, I sometimes judge a book by it’s cover but never by it’s movie.
You’ve had the opportunity to be at a very small country library and a city library. Is it different as a librarian between the two?
I have worked in so many different types of libraries during my career. While there are some differences, they are really the same. Libraries are the hub of any community, where people gather to visit, get information, realize their goals and aspirations or maybe just read a good book.
Thank you so much, Georgia, for taking the time to fill us in!
