Here I am...trying to revive this blog. This past Monday, I started a new job at a different library. I was a teen librarian at Library A for two years, and this opportunity came up at Library B and I am so lucky for it.
I'm not here to bash my old library. But there were things I wasn't happy with (I mean, if I were totally happy I wouldn't have left, right?) and Library B offers more of what I want to do: work with teens. Library A had me work teen services and adult services, so I was limited to when I could do programming, or when I could even walk around and hang out with the teens. I couldn't do any outreach, couldn't attend town events on behalf of the library, and so on. But now in my new position I'm not on an adult desk-just teen. I'll be able to go to the local schools and do book talks. I'll be able to do more outreach. There is no set desk schedule. Everyone in the teen department is flexible and easy going about it. If you have time you sit on the teen desk. If you don't someone else will do it. It's wonderful. The teens at Library B are mostly older high school age, and at Library A they were middle school-13-14 years old-a tough age. I also mentioned on Twitter recently that Library A had a horrible insurance plan that almost bankrupted me. A high deductible HSA that cost me so much money. But Library B offers both-so I'm back on a traditional plan with no deductible. No more paying out of pocket for almost everything.
The library itself is pretty amazing. The teen collection alone made me want to weep with joy. So many books. So many graphic novels and manga! Teen movies! We are also have much more flexibility when it comes to programs. We can do after hour programs here; something I wanted to do at my previous library. Nerf Wars, here we come! I was delighted to find out the library has a collection of giant games, and I can't wait to figure out when we can use them. Hey, it's the little things that make me happy. The library is also a maze, and has a much bigger staff than what I'm used to. So it's still taking me some time to figure out the layout and who works in what department. Most employees have been here for years, which is a good sign. Not a lot of turnover means a happy staff. And I like being part of the teen department. We're a team.
(My face after seeing the Teen collection)
I already met with some of the media specialists, and we are planning on some book talks in May. I expressed interest in doing a book tasting event, and they seemed excited about that. So if you have any experience with these please drop me a line! The only negative about my new library that I've seen is that there is no coffeemaker of any kind here. No Keurig, no coffeepot...I almost died when I found out. I'm a coffee drinker. I pretty much need my second cup in the afternoon like we need air to breathe. What does everyone do at this library when they need coffee? I did talk to my assistant director and she assured me I could bring in a small Keurig or whatever I wanted to make coffee. Yes! I know, I know. Stupid to get worked up over coffee, but there isn't anyplace I can walk to in the area to grab a cup.
