Being a Children's Librarian.... Why I Love My Job

Random thoughts, keeping me awake at night: 


I have over $3,000 worth of books that I want to order for the library. I spend a huge chunk of time going through every single book, making sure that it's a good purchase, making sure that it's age appropriate, in the right section it should be in, then making sure all the technical details are correct on our book supplier's web page so that the book is processed correctly with the right spine label and in the right account. I love ordering books but the computer work you have to do in order to get the books to the library is really a very complicated job. I don't think anyone really knows how hard librarians really work to manage library collections unless they are a librarian themselves or work in a closely related field. 

For the non-librarians reading this, did you know that at every public library, there is at least one, if not several, librarians working incredibly hard, reading book reviews, scouring the internet for book recommendations and book lists, thoroughly reviewing award lists, and reading book review journals, all to find the best books for their community? This is often on top of helping patrons at the reference desk, answering computer questions, creating programs for patrons, and so much more!

As for me personally, I also do special programs like the Cardboard Box Challenge, Campfire Tales, Curious Kids, Preschool Pals, Lapsit Storytime, Saturday Stories & Songs, Sensory Playtime, Animal Hospital, Minute to Win It, etc. I am also a computer wizard, handing out computer passes left and right - at times 20 passes in a matter of hours. It has become insanity at the Youth Services Department, kids lining up for their turn on the computer, just to play the latest online computer game.

I also have the beautiful job of managing a play area which we recently added a light table and Magna-Tiles to. It is incredibly exciting. Kids have been begging me to see their Magna-Tile creations while the next day, gifting me with beautiful drawings they proudly made. I have a collection of lovely drawings from the many children I have worked with. I usually tape them to my workroom window to remind me of the kids who so eagerly show their appreciation.

I also get the glory of sending kids home with books they want to read, their faces beaming with excitement as they exit the library. 

Let me tell you. I do A LOT!!! It can be overwhelming, multitasking in the most unbelievable ways. But every morning, I am happy to say that I do not dread going into work. I am so lucky to have a job that brings this special type of satisfaction. Working with children is simply the best! No matter how many "To-do" lists I have running through my brain, I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am so lucky to be a Children's Librarian and feel so happy to provide services to children and families on a daily basis!

This shout out goes to all the librarians out there - even if you don't always feel appreciated, your work is important and meaningful. This is your reminder! :) 

Tips for Children's Librarian's Fighting Gender Stereotypes

Illustration by Elizabeth B. Martin

I wrote this blog to share on my Feminist Librarian Facebook page. It is a page I run with 3 other librarians and we share news, information, and thoughts on feminist issues relating to children's media, literature, and libraries. If you haven't like my page yet, please do so now! :)

• As children's librarians, we should refrain from making assumptions of children's reading tastes based on their gender. If boys want to read Rainbow Magic books, do not judge them and certainly don’t deny them the opportunity to do so. Same goes for girls; if girls want to read a series often read by boys, encourage them to do so. Children should always have the freedom to explore books freely without judgement. As children’s librarians, we must conduct reference interviews by asking children about their unique tastes and interests rather than making grand assumptions based solely on their gender.

• Introduce children to story characters — and real people — who take part in all kinds of activities. Recommend books, TV shows, videos and software programs that feature a variety of cultures or present men and women in nontraditional roles. Also seek out stories that show a wide range of body types, personal traits and talents. (Source: PBS)

   

  Here are links to booklists that challenge gender stereotypes: 

   

  8 Books Breaking Gender Stereotypes
  This was a website I made for a project on gender stereotypes within picture books. This link provides 8 books that specifically portray families, females, and males, in nontraditional gender roles. 

   

  14 Books that Challenge Gender Stereotypes
  From the website "What Do We Do All Day", these titles celebrate the fact that not every child fits into society’s preconceived notion of what it means to be a boy or a girl.

   

  Anti-Defamation League's List
  Brought to you by the Anti-Defamation League's Miller Early Childhood Initiative Question Corner, this is an excellent list of children's books that break gender stereotypes.  

   

  10 Children's Books that Break Gender Stereotypes
  Brought to you by Parentmap.com, this list is filled with books showing diverse characters breaking gender stereotypes.

• If a parent becomes uncomfortable seeing a child read a specific series, the most we can do is clarify messages so parents feel heard. Be empathetic and try not to act judgmental towards the parent for feeling uncomfortable. Permit verbal venting and remain calm. Once you have heard them express their concerns, gently remind parents that it may be helpful for children to read a wide variety of literature that includes positive and uplifting portrayals of both genders. If they are receptive, you may say that sometimes children also read books marketed towards the other gender because they are curious about the opposite sex. Lastly, it's better to support a child’s natural curiosity and interest in a specific children's book because children need to develop their own personal reading tastes and preferences.
• Avoid gendered bibliographies and reference materials within the library such as “chik-lit” book lists. Refrain from having gendered book displays. For example, do NOT have a sign that reads “books for boys!” or “books for girls!” This should be obvious but sadly, some librarians haven’t gotten this memo. Check out this one display a woman tweeted about:

This is a good example of what NOT to do. (Source: Campcreek on Twitter)

• If your library has a play area or early literacy center, fill it with gender neutral toys and toys of all kinds as much as possible. Do not be rigid on what you include in the center. For example, don't exclude dolls because you think that boys won't play with them. Encourage children to play with a variety of toys and not just ones that fit within the confines of gender stereotypes.
  
  
• Lastly, be a role model and set an example. There is no replacement for modeling the type of person you want children to look up to. Use gender neutral language.The words we use around children are crucial to how they will characterize gender.  Be careful of making words applicable to only one gender.  Instead of saying fireman say firefighter.  Replace policeman and postman with police officer and postal carrier.  These simple changes make a huge difference in combatting gender stereotypes. (Source: homegrownfriends.com)

Have any other tips? Please add yours in the comments!