i r a gud liberrian

[orangerful]

This was in my Facebook inbox this morning from one of the librarians at a near-by branch. I had to share because it makes me feel awesome. :)

Tonight I had a young lady, senior in high school, come into the branch with her family. Her siblings were registering for src and so I told her about the teen component. Her face lit up and she started telling me how she didn't like reading until she visited SPK. She said her dad told her she couldn't leave till she had a book in hand. She dragged herself to the info desk and you were the one who helped her. (well I decided it had to be you when she described your enthusiasm) She told you the only book she ever enjoyed was Hunger Games. At this point she said the librarian became so excited she was spazzing out. It was pretty funny she starting waving her arms etc and you recommended several titles but I remember The Uglies. She said she read every one and rattled off other titles that I've seen you post about. I asked her if she were on teen facebook and she said no so I told her about it and that she could get more recommendations from you there. She said please tell her everything you see here, and she waved her hand from her head to her feet, is all because of her! It was very sweet. I hope she tries to get in touch and tell you herself.

How awesome is that? Usually I worry (after the fact) that my spazzing will scare the children away from reading. But apparently she found it endearing and really enjoyed the books I gave her. So, YAY!

Comments

[skindyedindigo.livejournal.com]

That's awesome!! It's so important to get people into reading when they are young. If you can get them into one book, or even better one series, soon they will branch out more and more. Reading opens SO many doors. *high fives for your awesomeness!*

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

*accepts high five*. I love giving kids and teens something they want to read vs what they get forced to read. Parents tend to roll their eyes about too much tv or video games, not realizing that those forms of entertainment can link kids to books they will enjoy.

[rhoda-rants.livejournal.com]

That is so cool! What a great way to get kids excited about reading--and you helped! That's a story I'd love to be able to tell one day myself.

Also encouraging, since one of the questions I had to answer at my interview yesterday was about the last book I read and how I'd recommend it to others; I wound up not "spazzing" but enthusiastically gushing about Ursula LeGuin. I think it went well. :)

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

Enthusiasm is key. I try to be up and enthused about books I recommend and also the services we offer. And it gets me invited back for presentations all the time. Yes, businesses need to hire qualified people but people want to work with happy, upbeat, enthusiastic coworkers! I'm sure you did great!

[poniesandphotos.livejournal.com]

Good job! I had a spazzy and enthusiastic teacher in fourth grade that got me really into reading. I think enthusiasm with kids is the key rather than a deterrent.

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

It really is! And not being judgmental. I hardly ever recommend classics but tend to try to match what the kids say they like with what I have.

[impalalove]

That's amazing. <3

[faeriesfolly.livejournal.com]

yay!! :D

Spazzy and excited gets them spazzy and excited!

This is how we make more little fanboys and fangirls! :D

<3 so much happy

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

True that! I get many compliments on my Mockingjay and Dalek pins that are on my lanyard. I think it helps show the teens I'm a geek to and at least aware of pop culture ;-)

[http://users.livejournal.com/unnecessary_/]

That is absolutely wonderful. You were able to impact her in such a big way and provide her with something that she can enjoy and grow because of. Amazing. I'm impressed!

[hermionesparkle.livejournal.com]

That is so awesome!! *high fives*

[geekslave.livejournal.com]

That's a really awesome letter. So cool that you helped her and how you turned her on to reading. I think your spazzing sounds really cute and I think being enthusiastic with most kids does really make them more excited about what you're talking about.

Stacey

[ekaterin24.livejournal.com]

You are Teen Librarian of Great Awesomeness. Enthusiasm will attract teens and impress & delight parents. And OMG Teen Facebook! I want to get permission to post on ours.

BTW I got some advance copies from my former colleague who still works at Baker & Taylor and there's an *awesome* outsider/psychologically messed up teen boy's problem novel coming in August called "Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock." It's kinda a heavier/grittier and more realistic John Green story.

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

Ooh that sounds good. I like John Green but not his books (if that makes sense) but grittier can be good.

[bittertwee.livejournal.com]

This is SO COOL. Well done.

[orangerful.livejournal.com]

Thanks :-D