Today Jen from Lost in the Library is stopping by to answer some questions about what it is like to work in a library setting, but not as a librarian - she is a Children's Programmer and Senior Library Assistant. I met Jen a year ago at the Kathy Reich's signing that I attended and she was absolutely amazing to chat with about blogging and libraries! Enjoy the interview!
You mentioned that you are not a
librarian per se, but that you work full time in Children's
Programming. Can you explain what your job entails?
I work full time
as a Childrens’ Programmer and Senior Library Assistant at a branch
in our library system. I plan and facilitate programs for children of
all ages and their families as well as oversee the day to day
operations of the branch. I help with collection development, readers
advisory, circulation, customer service and design outreach programs
for our community.
How did you know that you wanted to
work in a library for your career?
I didn’t
always. I knew I wanted to work with children and I have a passion
for books and reading and they both just seemed to fit together so
well in the library. When I look back though to when I was a child I
used to play “library” at home.
Did you have to take certain courses to
be hired on at the library?
No, My
educational background is as an Early Childhood Educator, which was
one of the qualifications to do the job. I also have a background in
event planning and worked in a book store for years.
What is your favourite part of working
with children in a library setting?
I love sharing my
passion for books and reading, and one of my favourite things is
reading aloud to the children and families who attend my programs. I
love seeing their reactions and sharing that moment with them. I like
to think that I help them become lifelong readers in some small way.
What is your life like between being a
blogger and working at a library? Is it always about bookish things?
Actually it is..
It feels like books 24/7 but I’m ok with that
Hmmmm
just five? JK Rowling, Maggie Stiefvater, Libba Bray, Ami Mckay, Erin
Morgenstern. All women I admire.
I noticed you have a second blog called
Storytime With Jen – where did you get the inspiration for that
blog?
When I began
programming I found there to be a lack of programming resources on
the internet. This is my way of filling the gap. It’s still
relatively new and balancing two blogs has benn interesting. Also in
the past year or so, I’ve begun a small consulting business (which
I dream will someday be a big consulting business)- I design present
workshops for professionals who work with children.
Speed Round:
Middle grade books or young adult
books? Ahhhh...don’t make me choose.... both
with a tiny percentage leaning towards YA
Action adventure or romance? Action
Adventure
Twitter or Facebook? Twitter
Hardcover or paperback or ebook?
Hardcover
Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate
Movie version or book version first?
Book Version of course!
Thanks for taking the time to be a part
of Ontario Library Week here at Snowdrop Dreams of Books.
Fabulous-thanks for having me
About Jen:
I’m not a librarian. At least on
paper. But in my heart I am. I have a passion for children's literature
and a desire to inspire and share that with others.
My education background is as an Early Childhood Educator. I worked for a number of years in a childcare centre providing care and programming for children from preschool age to 12 before working in the library field. At the library, I've had the unique opportunity to combine my knowledge of child development with my passion for books. The goal in each of my programs is to provide activities which are literacy based and fun.
My hope, is to help children and their families develop a love of reading.
I adore the reader's advisory portion of my role. There have been many times (too many to count) where I've had parents approach me at a loss for what to give their child to read. What will inspire them to keep reading? I believe there is a perfect book for each child. One that hooks them, grabs their attention and helps them to realize that reading can be enjoyable, that it doesn't need to be just homework or another chore. For me it was "Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great" by Judy Blume. For my nine year old it was "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney. I don't like to recommend books I haven't read myself.
I read mostly children's and young adult fiction so that I can help teachers, parents and kids make an informed choice when they're looking for a great read.
My education background is as an Early Childhood Educator. I worked for a number of years in a childcare centre providing care and programming for children from preschool age to 12 before working in the library field. At the library, I've had the unique opportunity to combine my knowledge of child development with my passion for books. The goal in each of my programs is to provide activities which are literacy based and fun.
My hope, is to help children and their families develop a love of reading.
I adore the reader's advisory portion of my role. There have been many times (too many to count) where I've had parents approach me at a loss for what to give their child to read. What will inspire them to keep reading? I believe there is a perfect book for each child. One that hooks them, grabs their attention and helps them to realize that reading can be enjoyable, that it doesn't need to be just homework or another chore. For me it was "Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great" by Judy Blume. For my nine year old it was "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney. I don't like to recommend books I haven't read myself.
I read mostly children's and young adult fiction so that I can help teachers, parents and kids make an informed choice when they're looking for a great read.
Your job sounds like a lot of fun, Jen! It's so awesome how passionate you are about working with kids and helping them with literacy. =)
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