youth librarian, and an idea.

Photo by StAugustinePics.com. Thanks!

It goes without saying that I love my job. If you've met me, you know what I do for a living. I'm the Youth Services Librarian at a public library. I serve patrons ages 0-18, plus their families. That's a HUGE age spectrum, which is sometimes challenging. Regardless, I love it.

So, what do I do all day? Well, I certainly don't fulfill the stereotype of a stuffy old librarian shushing children. My department is loud, colorful, and busy. I lead storytimes, sing, perform, locate resources, choose books and related materials for purchase, collect statistics, visit schools, help out at local events, design flyers, take photos, serve on school advisory committees, partner with local businesses, present at conferences, plan and execute programs ranging from early literacy to fitness, to cooking! No two days are exactly alike at my job, which keeps me on my toes and excited.

I'm going to toot my own horn here. I'm good at my job. It feels like it's what I'm meant to do with my life. I love connecting with my community through my library, connecting people with resources and even other people. Becoming a mom made me realize just how lonely it can be as a parent. Having activities like what I offer at my library allows parents to connect with people going through the same issues. It's made a world of difference in my life as a mama to have other parents around me to discuss the joys and difficulties of having a child.

All of this brings me to my idea.

I want to produce a podcast. On my own time and dime. I'm going to combine my early literacy knowledge and storytime skills to create a twenty minute podcast for parents and/or caregivers to listen to and interact with their children. Songs, rhymes, lapsit bounces, and more--bringing a baby storytime right to their device.

From my searching so far, it seems like this doesn't yet exist. There are some storytime podcasts, yes, but those seem to be people just reading stories. Not interactive programs for caregivers and their children.

So, here's my public declaration. Now I've got to stick with it. Anyone have experience putting together a podcast and want to lend a hand? ;)

a lovely library.

I went around yesterday taking some photos of our library's gorgeous outdoor space. The above are my personal favorites. Every time I pull in, I feel so lucky to work in such an amazing place! Not only is the outside beautiful, but the inside is filled to the brim with books and wonderful people. :) I couldn't be happier!

Full Time!

I've already shared this news on Facebook, but I just had to get it down here. I'm finally full-time at the library!

It's been over a year and a half since I started on at the library, and while other opportunities were made available before now, I held out for just the right position to pop up.

Lo and behold, it has! I'm now the Youth Services Assistant and I couldn't be prouder! I've unofficially been helping out the Youth Services Librarian for over a year, and I've loved it... Taking part in storytime every week, putting together displays and crafts, even developing my own programs. Now I get to do it full-time!

Besides being a wonderful professional development, this also means more stability for Paul and I. He's still injured (another surgery next month), and worker's compensation is spotty at best. This job gives us peace of mind and allows us to begin planning more of our future without the financial worries.

Moral of the story: I'm ridiculously thrilled and excited to take on this position. I can't wait to expand on projects together with the Youth Services Librarian, and look forward to everything the coming year brings.

If you're interested in seeing what my job is all about, check out our library blog, Stories from Southeast!

Touches of Christmas.

Though the weather outside is decidedly un-frightful, it's still pretty delightful down here in Florida around Christmas. I've been loving all the little touches of Christmas I've been sighting around town and at work. The above photo is from the lighting of downtown St. Augustine, when they turned on all of those wonderful white lights. It was incredible! We make it a point to drive through downtown whenever we get a chance now just to soak it up.

That same night also included a walk over to Flagler College to see their (epic) Christmas tree. It's massive, and it fits the glamor of that beautiful former-hotel perfectly.

I've also been helping out with the Christmas decor around the library. We've got several trees, a ton of wreaths, and too many cute little details to count.
I'm planning a special trip downtown soon to get some nicer photos of the lights, so stay tuned!

Day in the Life of a Library Assistant.

Sometimes I like to document my days. It's a fun way to look back and see what my life was like at different times. I think I first began this in 2009, which doesn't seem too long ago, but a lot has certainly changed since then. I realized that I'd never done a documented day at the library, so here it is!



Good morning. I feel blurry, and so my photos seem to follow.


It takes me longer than normal to pick something out. Our theme in storytime today is the color orange, and so I need something to match!



Pack up, make coffee, and grab a light breakfast. I slept in longer than normal, and so I've got to eat on the way to work today. But that's okay, because these are the first honeycrisp apples of the season, hurrah!



I rush out of the house, closing the windows on my way. My poor car needs a wash pretty badly.


I pass over the bridge, admiring the clouds. It's very overcast today, but still gorgeous. I love my little commute to the library.


Hello! I arrive at work and uncover our guinea pigs' cage. Everyone says our branch is turning into a zoo now that we have six ducks and two guinea pigs. It's nice, though, because it made me realize that I never want guinea pigs of my own... so much cleaning... At least at the library, the responsibilities are shared.

Quickly, I write up a to-do list and upload some photos.




I set up everything for storytime: background for family storytime (we have a park ranger coming!), parachute for little ones storytime, and carpet squares all around.

Little ones storytime goes well! We had about thirty kids though, which is a LOT for what is supposed to be a more low-key storytime. We decide that since attendance has ballooned, we're going to split it up into two groups next week.

Family storytime follows, and is awesome thanks to a special visit from our local park ranger. She reads some stories and helps us as we lead the kids in songs, dances, and other activities.


Afterward, I interview a local artist who donated some work (pictured above) when our library first opened ten years ago. We're putting together a video for the birthday celebration next week. It's going to be so fun!


Finally, it's lunchtime. I'm having leftover pasta salad and another honeycrisp apple, with a side of Dearie, a biography of Julia Child. I also text husband about storytime today. You can see the ridiculous Doctor Who knock-knock joke from the night before.

Looking a little frazzled, but feeling good about work so far.



Back to work! I add and cross off some items on my to-do list, write some e-mails, and put together a blog post with the photos I uploaded earlier. I wrote the post all in rhyme!


At this point, I go to work on the circulation desk, keeping an eye on the kids with the guinea pigs. It's so busy today!


I spend the last two hours working on the birthday video with a co-worker, then we close up the library. This is our children's section, with some kites we made for International Peace Day on Saturday.

And because I'm proud of it, here's my display for Banned Books Week. I decided to focus on the controversy surrounding Eleanor & Park right now. It's such a good book! I definitely recommend it.


Shut down the computer and pack everything up...


I feel lucky to work in such a beautiful spot. Oh, and there are our library ducks!



I drive over the bridge again on the way home, and make sure to get a photo of my little car cat, who has been in all of my documented days.

Arrive home, and notice someone is watching me... This is one of our kitties, named Socks.



I got a package!! It's an advance reader copy that I won online. Sounds interesting.


Change from work garb to ultra-casual shorts and wrinkled concert shirt. I am so short. Also, the shirt is from the Gentlemen of the Road festival that came to town two weeks ago. It was awesome!


We run into a neighbor cat on our way outside. This one is named Taz, and he is very vocal about wanting to be pet.




Walk down to check the mail, hand in hand. It's just junk, but the little walk outside is nice.

Socks is waiting on the stairs for us when we come back. Meow!


Mix the last of the leftover pasta salad with some spinach and get comfy on the couch to read.


I spend several hours reading, while Paul does homework. I'm quite proud of him--it's his first semester back after a loooong break from school, and he's doing so well!


He takes a break to cuddle our other cat, Lily. I get him some chips and salsa for a snack.



Spend some time on the phone with my mom, during which Lily comes over and makes herself comfortable.



More reading. I like to read. Finally, I realize I'm starving and look for something to make. This sounds good!

I set up the ipad in a cabinet to begin cooking, but first...

Time to feed the beasts, and...


Paul takes another break by doing the dishes. Yay! It's my least favorite chore.
I gather up the ingredients. Rather than used canned tomatoes, I use some of our fresh ones. They'll just have to cook longer.

First, I sweat the garlic and red onions in some olive oil with red pepper flakes. This makes the house smell amazing!

Add the tomatoes... I end up throwing in an additional one just because.


After the tomatoes have cooked for a while and begin to break down, I add some green onions and fresh parsley.

While that cooks, I get a text from my little brother. He's a dork.


Toss in the chickpeas and mix them up...

And a few minutes later, pour in three cups of vegetable broth.

While that cooks, I read through my blog list via Feedly and find out what a euphonium is. Apparently, it's a mini-tuba and plays just like a trombone? My brother wants to play it for concert band.


The soup looks good, so I pour it into a large measuring bowl and blend it up. Smells so good!

Ta-da! Dress it up with fresh spinach, parsley, green onions, a bit of hot sauce, and some freshly-cracked pepper. I don't cook very often, but I do soups pretty well.

We eat while watching Adult Swim, since there's nothing on Food Network. Those are the two channels we watch, out of hundreds.

After dinner, it's more blogs... I really want to make these cinnamon buns!
More book-nerd stuff! This is a great newsletter about the book industry.


Take out contacts, brush teeth, wash face, and finish up with some (diluted) tea tree oil for my blemishes.



I read some more until I am distracted by husband and Lily. She promptly sits on my book (favorite spot), so I take that as a sign to get to sleep. Good night!