“This Is What a Librarian Looks Like”
A Celebration of Libraries, Communities, and Access to Information
By Kyle Cassidy
https://christchurch.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1001618037
“Libraries can be – and in many places are – anything their communities need them to be. The power of libraries is their willingness and ability to assess the interests, desires, and needs of their patrons as they change over time. Libraries are community centers, schools, health clinics, post offices, movie theaters, job placement centers, and infinite other things.”
Matt Krueger | Teen Services Librarian | Irondequoit Public Library
“Libraries are more important to our world than people realize. We are the ‘holders of forever’ ensuring access to our cultural heritage, while providing the free access and flow of information to anyone in the world. All you have to do is ask.”
Kyle K. Courtney | Copyright Adviser | Harvard University Library
“Libraries are centers of discovery and a safe place to go where one is encouraged and supported in finding information that is empowering and transformative.”
Jessie Nachem | Librarian | The Wright Institute Oakland Public Library
“Libraries strive to be a safe place for the maligned members of our communities. Librarians want you to be welcomed and find a second home with us.”
Amy Call | Reference and Instruction Librarian | Marygrove College
“I believe in the library as a place for a great exchange of information, discovery, and creativity. Libraries encourage open minds with open doors, open books, and open screens.”
Natasha Arce | International School Librarian | School of the Nations Macau
“Libraries are the heart of community learning.”
Samantha Marison | Student/Aspiring Librarian | University of Connecticut
“I have always thought of libraries as a refuge – as places to collaborate and learn. Libraries offer people the freedom to be themselves.”
Claire Schmieder | Adult Services Librarian | Cherry Hill Public Library
“Libraries mean that no matter what your situation, you will always have a place where you can go to find the knowledge you need to be the person you want to be.”
Natalie Dejonghe | Ebook Trainer/Grant Project Coordinator | Reaching Across Illinois Library System
“Not only do I provide books to my littlest patrons, I help their parents learn how to parent. I help them find materials on behavior, education, life development stages, and much more.”
Valerie Bogert | Youth Services Librarian | Springfield Greene County Library
“For many immigrants to this country, the library is the first place where they feel accepted.”
Alicia Long | Reference Librarian | State College of Florida
“Libraries can help stop a generational cycle of abuse, victimization, or anger. They can rehabilitate, help people grow, and change in life.”
Sam Leif | Correctional Facility Librarian | Colorado Department of Correction
“Libraries provide important services that target underrepresented communities. Without libraries, many individuals could not read, write, or use a computer. These basic services can change lives. I want people to realize that libraries are transforming every day. Libraries are pulling our communities together and strengthening them. People don’t know about so many of the services libraries provide.”
Marian Mays | Recent MSLIS Graduate | University of Kentucky
“Libraries provide a community gathering place with resources, information, entertainment, and socializing for no commercial payoff. Our payoff is a healthy, literate society.”
Sara Sunshine Holloway | Teen Services Librarian | Tacoma Public Library
“Libraries are becoming social centers where people can come for recreation or to learn.”
Mario Veyna-Reyes | Las Vegas-Clark County Library District
“Books change lives. They expose individuals to ideas that can save the world of one or the world of many. Librarians are guides to the many pathways books offer. Information is my lifeline. I do what I do to share this lifeline with those who need it most.”
Anna E. Gentry | Network Librarian | Firstline Schools
“What would we do without our elders? Grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles? They’re the libraries and archives of our lives and society. Librarians and archives, like elders, reaffirm our sense of being, our purpose, and help inform who we are and how we interact within society.” Rachel E. Winston | MSIS Candidate, VF Austin (May 2015) | VF Austin Information School
“If all the libraries in the community shut down, the community would lose more than just the ability to distribute library materials. Librarians are a hub of resources for communities and provide opportunities for people to help themselves and connect with other members of the community.” Karina Reyna | MLS Student/Knowledge River Graduate Assistant | University of Arizona Knowledge River
“Reading and learning can open the mind, but only as far as the reader or learner is willing to be opened. I can’t make anyone embrace change – I simply continue to provide the opportunities. It’s all up to you. It’s what you choose to spend your time one, and how much you choose to challenge yourself. Nowhere is this more obvious than in a prison.”
Erin Boyington | Library Technician II | Sterling Correctional Facility, Colorado Dept. of Corrections
“Libraries are more relevant today than ever. In these challenging times, early childhood education is in great demand and trained children’s librarians are being sought our in droves for their experience and expertise.”
Christopher Lassen | Library Information Supervisor/Children’s Librarian | Brooklyn Public Library
“The library is the only place anyone – poor or wealthy – can go with a question and find a real person, capable of reading between the lines, who can help find an answer. Google doesn’t work if you aren’t even sure yourself with you’re looking for.”
Megan Hodge | Teaching and Learning Librarian | Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
“Libraries are the embodiment of lifelong learning.”
Rebecca Leonhard | Director of LAS Libraries | Leysin American School in Switzerland
“Libraries are a safe space where you can challenge your views about life.”
Scott Nicholson | Associate Professor | Syracuse University School of Information Studies
“Why libraries? Innovation, creativity, inspiration, diversity, community.”
Courtney Young | 2014 President of the American Library Association | Penn State Greater Allegheny Library