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Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Alyssa Morgan.

1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

Courtesy photo from Alyssa Morgan

I’m the Children’s Librarian/Head of Youth Services at the Morgan County Public Library in Martinsville, IN.  I’ve been in this position almost 5 years, and actually began my career here as an intern.

And yes, the library and I do have the same name.

2. Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

I see ALSC as a way to keep in touch with other librarians across the nation.  Through ALSC, I’ve gained not only great programming ideas, useful management tips, and the knowledge that I’m not the only librarian who faces triumph and struggle on a daily basis.

3. If a movie was presented of your life, who would you want to play you?

Kate Winslet or Emma Thompson.  Even though I bear no resemblance whatsoever to either of them.

4. Do you have a favorite word?  What is it?

Serendipitous!

5. What forms of social media do you use regularly?

I’m a Facebook fiend!  I try to tweet (@LibraryLyssa) and blog (www.librarylyssa.com) on a regular basis but it usually falls on the back burner.

6. Do you have any cats or dogs or other pets?

One cat, Olivia.  When I was at the shelter looking for a cat, I was holding her in my lap and another cat hopped in my lap and hissed at her.  She very calmly turned around, smacked the snot out of the other cat, and went back to cleaning her paws.  I knew this was the cat for me!

7. What do you like to drink? Coffee, tea, juice, water, or something else?

COFFEE!  COFFEE!  COFFEE!

8. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.  The teen librarian and I recommend it to EVERYONE!

9. Do you normally celebrate holidays? What’s your favorite?

December 4 has become a holiday at my library because there are four of us who share that date as our birthday!  Cards and all sorts of sweet treats are brought in to help celebrate.

10. What would you be doing if you weren’t a librarian?

I honestly have no idea and hope I never have to find out!

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Thanks, Alyssa! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

The post ALSC Member of the Month – Alyssa Morgan appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten (plus one) questions with ALSC member, Melissa Morwood.

1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

“Courtesy photo from Melissa Morwood”

I am a Senior Children’s Librarian for the Palo Alto City Library, and I have been here for 11 years. I present weekly storytimes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, host class visits, plan and present school-age and family programming for our customers, and help folks on both the kids and adult reference desks.

2. Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

I initially joined ALSC to feel a sense of community with other children’s librarians across the country, since for many years I was the only youth services staff person at my branch. I have gained so much through my membership- the ALSC blog posts are always fantastic, and they help me to grow as a librarian, and to provide better service to our customers.

3.  Are you ready for Summer Reading?

I’m in charge of our library’s Summer Reading Program for the third year in a row, so I’ve been thinking about Summer Reading since January! We’ll be doing early Summer Reading registrations as part of a kindergarten library card campaign this year, so it’s only a few more weeks until we have to be ready for the program to go live. And I always look forward to our Kick-Off party, which features music, ice cream, and lots of happy families.

4.   Are you starting to make plans for retirement?

Yes! I’ve still got 19 more years until I can retire, but my husband and I are already making plans to move to California’s north coast where we went to college at Humboldt State University. We love the smaller towns, the laid back atmosphere, and the combination of redwoods, farmland, and desolate beaches. It’s a gorgeous area with friendly people.

5.    What’s the last book you recommended to a friend?

Phoebe and Her Unicorn, by Dana Simpson. I just read it last week, quickly followed by the sequel Unicorn on Wheels. The books are humorous yet sweet, and it cracks me up how endearing Marigold is to the reader, despite being such an egomaniac. Some of my other favorite graphic novels include Roller Girl, Baba Yaga’s Assistant, and This One Summer.

6.    What’s your favorite piece of technology?

My iphone. When I’m not at work, I enjoy not being tied to a desktop computer if I need to send a quick email or get directions. I also love having my phone’s camera capabilities ready at all times for when my 11 month old twin niece and nephew inevitably do something super cute.

7.   Do you have any family traditions?

Every year on Christmas Eve my husband, dog, and I curl up in our pjs and watch Love Actually. It’s been our annual tradition for close to 10 years now, and I always look forward to it.

8.   What is the last song you sang?

The More We Get Together. It’s my closing song each week at Baby Storytime, and we do the sign language along with it. I do two Baby Storytime sessions every Tuesday morning, and I had over 140 attendees between the two programs this morning!

9.   If you could bring back any extinct animal, which would it be?

Definitely dinosaurs (preferably herbivorous dinosaurs…) Regardless of how badly all of the Jurassic Park movies end, I still always turn to my husband and say “I’d TOTALLY visit Jurassic Park!”

10.  How do you incorporate STEM/STEAM activities in your work with children? 

I’m actually doing my very first STEM-based program tomorrow afternoon! We’re having an Engineers at Work program, where kids in grades 2-5 will be challenged to create marble runs out of household materials, and then we’ll have races to see how well each run works. I was inspired to try STEAM programming after watching ALSC webinars presented by Amy Koester, who makes STEAM programming look so fun and easy.

11.  What’s your favorite thing to do when you are not working?

Hanging out with my husband and talking about children’s literature. He’s a kindergarten teacher, and it’s so much fun to recommend books for him to read to his class- they love the Mercy Watson and Princess in Black series. It’s great to be able to geek out regarding the ALSC Book & Media Awards, and have him not only listen but actively participate in the conversation. He’s super supportive of my dream to serve on an ALSC award committee someday.

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Thanks, Melissa! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

The post ALSC Member of the Month – Melissa Morwood appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Chelsea Couillard-Smith.

1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

Photo by Sara Pinnell, courtesy of Chelsea Couillard-Smith

My official title is Senior Librarian in Collection Management Services, but what I actually DO is select all children’s and teen print materials as well as audiobooks, e-books, and e-audiobooks. My library is a 41-branch city/county system that includes the city of Minneapolis, and in addition to materials selection, I get to work on lots of other collection-related projects, too. I’m so fortunate to have a job that allows me to focus on the collection, and I absolutely love my work! I’ve been with HCL since June 2015, and prior to that, I spent 4 years as the Youth Materials Selector for the Sacramento (CA) Public Library.

2. Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

I joined ALSC right out of graduate school because I was just starting out as a youth services manager, and I knew I would need the support and resources that ALSC provides. What I didn’t expect was to find such a wonderful community of amazing peers and mentors who have really helped me find my place in ALA and in the library profession. I’m currently co-chairing the ALSC Intellectual Freedom Committee, and I’ve previously served on the Public Awareness and Newbery Award committees (shout out to FLORA & ULYSSES). I’m also a member of YALSA and the Intellectual Freedom Round Table.

3. If given the opportunity, would you prefer to be on American Ninja Warrior, Hell’s Kitchen, or The Amazing Race?

I’d love to be on The Amazing Race! I really enjoy traveling, and it would be fun to see all those amazing places in such a unique way. A college classmate (and rugby teammate) of mine actually won a couple of years ago, so I’ve been thinking lately that it might be time to put together a librarian team!

4. What’s the last book you recommended to a friend?

For a co-worker’s baby shower, my Dad wanted to gift a book that the baby could grow into, so I suggested WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON by Grace Lin. It’s such a gorgeous book, so it makes a great gift. But I also like that it’s both a great read aloud (for a younger child) and a great independent read for a broad age range.

5. What forms of social media do you use regularly?

I use Facebook mostly because it keeps me connected to my personal and professional worlds, but I dabble in Twitter, too, and I try to use Goodreads regularly. I can’t find the time to add anything else!

6. What’s your favorite thing to do when you are not working?

I love the outdoors, so when I’m not working (or reading), I’m probably hiking, camping, or biking. And this will be my first summer with a garden, so I’m looking forward to that new challenge.

7. What’s the scariest book you’ve ever read?

I have a very low tolerance for scary stuff. I’m still haunted by a particular GOOSEBUMPS title I picked up as a kid that involved murder by decapitation (using a guitar string), and a “children’s” adaptation of DRACULA affected my sleeping habits until about middle school. Don’t even get me started on SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK!

8. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

Kate DiCamillo’s RAYMIE NIGHTINGALE has really stayed with me. She manages to keep the story so firmly centered on the girls and their emotions in spite of the chaos in their families. The most fun I’ve had recently was reading the second volume in Varian Johnson’s heist series, TO CATCH A CHEAT. I love the humor and the intricate plotting.

9. Do you normally celebrate holidays? What’s your favorite?

I am a Christmas FIEND. I usually start listening to Christmas music in November because we have a house rule that I can’t start before Halloween. I love all the traditions: baking, selecting and wrapping presents, decorating the house, spending time with family. There’s a peacefulness to the season, one that comes from the cold and the stillness of Midwestern winters, I think, that really appeals to me.

10. Do you remember the first book you ever read?

When I was 5 years old, my family spent about a year living in Lesotho in southern Africa. My parents were planning to homeschool me, so they made some books to teach me to read. I’m told that I read through all the books they’d made and demanded more, so they decided to send me to “real” school instead. I’d love to read one of those homemade books again!

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Thanks, Chelsea! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

The post ALSC Member of the Month – Chelsea Couillard-Smith appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Rachel Fryd.

1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

Photo courtesy of
Rachel Fryd

Currently I am the Young Adult materials selector for the Free Library of Philadelphia.  In the past 12 years I have been a children’s librarian, branch manager, and the youth services coordinator.

2. Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

I joined ALSC so I could go to conferences!  But the best part of being an ALSC member is participating on committees where I can meet and learn from other librarians who are just as passionate (if not more passionate) about library service for children as I am.  I like to think of my far flung colleagues as my camp friends that I see once or twice a year at conference with tons of emails and social media contact in between.  I’m always surprised and intrigued by the new ideas and programs that librarians around the country come up with!

3. What form(s) of transportation do you prefer? 

I’m really into trains right now – I took AMTRAK from Philadelphia to Boston for the Midwinter Meeting this past January and it reminded me how pleasant travel by train is compared to flying.  It actually inspired me to take a cross country train journey this May – Philadelphia to Oakland over the course of two weeks!

4. What is your dream job?

I’ve actually been really lucky to have had quite a few of my dream jobs already – I loved working on Summer Reading for the entire city of Philadelphia as a Youth Services Coordinator and I’m currently having  more fun than should be allowed at work as the Young Adult Material Selector for our library system.  But if I had to choose the all-time dream job I think it would be to own a children’s book store.  In fact, sometimes on the weekend I wind up doing accidental readers advisory in my local independent bookstore.  I figure I’m just a few million dollars short of achieving this dream.

5. Vegetarian, Vegan, or Carnivore?

Just a picky eater – have been all my life, but my particular brand of picky eater happens to overlap mostly with a vegetarian diet.  I still don’t like broccoli though.

6. What’s the favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of the job is finding the right thing for the right person at the right time – be it a book they are looking for or helping a colleague fill out a tricky purchase order or introducing – I love learning and then sharing that information and ideas.

7. Do you have any tattoos or piercings?

I have my ears pierced but I almost never wear earrings – which is silly because I BEGGED my Mom to let me get my ears pierced as a kid. I don’t have any tattoos – just when I think I might be interested in getting one a new “20 Worst Tattoo Fails” article comes out… and I scare myself out of doing it.

8. What is your favorite age of kids to work with at the Library?

I really like kids of all ages – there are so many great things about all ages – but I think my favorite age is that middle grade age – your 8 to 12 year olds.  There is a fearlessness and an unselfconsciousness to them.  They are happy to tell me that they loved or hated the book I recommended and why.  This is also the age where they are most likely to come in afterschool and reenact a Lady Gaga or Beyoncé video for no reason other than they love it.  (True story – the kid in question is 17 now and still does Beyoncé  just on his Instagram instead of in person.)

9. Coffee, tea, water… or something else?

Coffee.  Also coffee with maybe a side of coffee.

10. What do you wish every children’s librarian knew?

That being flexible is more important that being right.  That library service is about relationships.   That you might be the only nice or supportive adult a kid interacts with all day.  And the kid causing you the most trouble is the one who will remember you the most in 10 years – and the one you’ll remember the most too.

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Thanks, Rachel! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

The post ALSC Member of the Month – Rachel Fryd appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Cassandra Freeman.

1.  What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

Courtesy photo from Cassandra Freeman

I have been a Children’s Librarian for DC Public Library for the past two and a half years. Before that, I was a Library Associate at the Chicago Public Library while I was in graduate school at the University of Illinois’ Graduate School of Library and Information Science.  I work in an extremely busy neighborhood branch of DCPL in a community full of children of all ages.  Our neighborhood especially has a lot of little ones under the age of three, which is fortuitous as I love working with babies and am passionate about creating early literacy development opportunities for these tiny little learners.  It is so rewarding to see how quickly they learn and grow!

2.  Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

I joined ALSC because it seemed to be the best way to get started in and involved with ALA as a Children’s Librarian.  I am also a member of PLA.  Being relatively new to the career of librarianship, I joined these divisions so that I could create connections with and learn from other librarians.  I have always considered one of my roles as a librarian as being a lifelong learner!

3.  Do you have any big plans in the coming weeks/months?

In fact, I do! I will be changing many diapers as my husband and I will be welcoming our first child, a baby boy, to the world sometime towards the end of this month.  I think it’s funny when other parents and caretakers make comments that I will be a great mother since I’m so “experienced” with babies.  We’ll see!  I have a feeling that taking care of one baby 24/7 is going to be a very different experience than leading a 25 minute storytime for 75 babies!  Either way, I cannot wait to experience motherhood!

4.  Do you ever attend library conferences?

I just recently returned from my first-ever conference, Midwinter in Boston!  It was a wonderful experience and I can’t wait to go to another.  I was 33 weeks pregnant at the time so I was just pushing the envelope on travel limitations, but I’m very glad I waddled my way over there.  Awarded with the opportunity to participate in the 2016 Bill Morris Seminar Book Evaluation Training, I was able to meet and learn from many extremely intelligent librarians and book award committee members and chairs.  I am beyond grateful for this unique learning experience.

5.  What was your favorite book as a child?

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder, and it still is one of my favorite books to this day.  The whole series makes me feel warm and cozy and grateful for my family.  It is the first book I can remember my mom reading to me before bed, before I could read independently.  I still sometimes reread it when I’m feeling nostalgic!

6.  Are you a dog person or a cat person?

Both!  I grew up with cats, but since my husband is allergic to those furry creatures, we have two dogs whom I just adore.  Cats are a lot easier to take care of than dogs, but nothing really beats the love you get from a dog.  Oliver is our two year old mini labradoodle.  He is extremely smart and sensitive, and would be happy cuddling and sleeping on your lap for 24 hours a day.  Pepper is our 9 month old goldendoodle, and she is a complete goofball.  Her tail is always wagging and she would be happy playing fetch for 24 hours a day if she was allowed.

7.  Have you ever told someone that a book would “change their life?” What book was it?

I’m sure we’ve all heard this before, but J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series WILL change your life.  It certainly changed literature and the childhood of an entire generation, my own included! Whenever I see people checking out Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stonefor the first time, I feel a bit of a thrill for the reading journey that they are about to embark upon, the magical world that they are about to enter purely through words and language!  The Harry Potter series has an incredible ability to get readers of all ages immersed in the magic and joy that reading can bring.  I truly believe it has the ability to change lives by getting people to love the act of reading.

8.  Are you a participant in the recent “adult coloring” craze?​

Absolutely!  Our library’s “Adult Coloring Club” program is the most highly attended adult program this branch has seen since I have worked here.  And I am going to be one of those annoying people who eagerly claims that they were coloring long before it was cool.  I was actually coloring when it was pretty un-cool.  I’ve always found it to be a very relaxing, centering activity.  And I’m also a five year old at heart.

9.  What’s your favorite riddle or joke?

Two atoms are walking down the street.  One says to the other, “Hey!  I think I lost an electron!”  The other says, “Are you sure?” To which the other atom replies, “Yes! I’m POSITIVE!” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told this joke.  And I’m usually delivering it terribly because I’m laughing so hard before I even get to the punchline.

10.  What do you think libraries will look like fifty years from now?

While libraries play a significant role in new technology and making those technologies accessible to the community, I think that the general public will be surprised at how much library services will remain consistent over the years.  No technology is ever going to replace the wonderful human interactions and smiles we get during storytime, or the crisp pages of a brand new book!  And anyone who ever said libraries are in danger of becoming obsolete has not been in my library’s children’s room at 3:30 pm on a school day.

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Thanks, Cassie! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

The post ALSC Member of the Month – Cassandra Freeman appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Bina Williams.

1.  What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

I have been a children’s librarian at the Bridgeport Public Library for 18 1/2 years. Right now, I am at our North Branch but have also worked at another branch and at the main library.  I spent a year at the Stratford Library Association while I was in library school. Before that, I was a children’s book buyer in several independent bookstores around New Haven CT for about 20 years.  I spent my childhood wandering around the Wallingford CT Public Library while my mom attended board meetings.

2.  Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

I am a firm believer in professional involvement–whether it be on the local, state or national level. Fortunately, my supervisors and library board have been very supportive of my work with ALA and ALSC.  I also belong to YALSA and EMIERT. I have been very fortunate to be on ALSC committees of both the nuts and bolts type and the notables/awards type. For all that I may (or may not) have contributed to these committees, I have received back so much more. I have made deep and lasting friendships with people from all types of libraries in all kinds of places through this work. Thank you, ALSC!

3.  What do you think children’s librarians will be doing ten years from now?

Much the same as we are now but with newer technology thrown into the mix. Storyhours, craft programs, technology classes, book talking, advocacy, community outreach and customer service will never go out of style for we children’s librarians.

4.  If you could enjoy a dinner conversation with any author – living or dead – who would it be?

Just one??? Jane Austen? I would love a table with Jane Austen, Ashley Bryan, Clyde Edgerton, Laurie Halse Anderson, Maya Angelou, Lois Lowry, Jason Reynolds, and maybe a few more…mixing up genres as much as possible!

5.  You’ve just been given a million dollars to donate to a worthy cause. How do you give it away?

Is it just one? I would split it (not necessarily equally) to ALA/ALSC for Early Education, Save the Children, FIrst Book, Reading is Fundamental, and Reach Out and Read.

6.  What is one thing you wish people knew about you?

I used to do Vintage Dancing which is historic ballroom dancing. We performed and put on events including balls from the 1850s era and jazz nights from the 20s. I made two Victorian ballgowns along with the corset to wear underneath! We did lots of research into the clothing, foods, and manners of the era as well as the dance and music. Very fun!

7.  Do you prefer winter or summer?

Winter because I don’t like hot hot weather. I love to bundle up under several quilts while watching it snow. Sitting by a crackling fire with a good book is a great way to wile away the cold days. Spring because of the beauty of each day being filled with different shades of green or yellow as trees and flowers begin to bud.  Summer because I don’t like driving 35 miles each way to work in a snow storm. I love to sit on a dock with friends and watch the clouds overhead and reflected in the water.  Or lying on the dock looking for the Perseid Meteor showers. Fall because it is when I was born and there is nothing like the New England trees in autumn. And the air is so crisp  with the scent of fireplace smoke.

8.  Are you a dog person or a cat person?

Dog person who has a cat. I live too far from work for a dog to be happy at home…I love my cat even if she isn’t a dog!

9.  What’s your favorite thing to do at your Library?

I have two programs for 0-3 year olds…Little Bears is a storyhour for them with a caregiver and Little Hands is an artsy crafty program involving crayons, paper, cutouts, rubber stamps, paint, and lots of glue! I love these little people! Watching the progression from a silent observer to an active participant is so rewarding…and feedback from parents is wonderful especially when I hear that a particularly shy child talks about the library and what we do all the time when at home.

10.  What was your favorite book as a child? 

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett because I loved the idea of renewal and growth. The sourpuss Mary Lennox was redeemed by the wonderful family of Dickon and went on to save her crotchety cousin Colin who was the only person more selfish than Mary. And who doesn’t love a secret place that comes back to life?

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Thanks, Bina! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

The post ALSC Member of the Month — Bina Williams appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Polly Ross.

Courtesy photo from Polly Ross

1. What do you do and how long have you been doing it?

I’m a children’s librarian, I’ve had that title since I finished my MLIS in 2008,first at a couple of branches of DC Public Library, and now at Aurora Public Library in Aurora, Ontario, Canada. Currently, my job description is a little more supervisory and administrative than it was in DC, but I still do tons of programs and outreach, and think I have the best job in the world!

2.  Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

Because it would be insane to be a children’s librarian and not belong. Even though I’ve been home in Canada now, I still belong to ALSC (and PLA, and GLBTRT) because delightful though Canadian library associations are, they just can’t offer the same breadth of awesomeness that ALA and its divisions, round tables, etc. do.

3.  Do you have a favorite holiday treat to prepare or eat?

Springerle, a type of German Christmas cookie flavoured with anise seed—nothing beats German Christmas cookies of any kind! Although Peanut Blossoms, a peanut butter cookie with a Hershey’s Kiss on top, are also pretty fabulous.

4.  What’s the last book you recommended to a friend?

The Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay, which is one of the best fantasy stories ever—but not for children.

5.  Are you a dog person or a cat person?

Both. I have three cats currently (Tabitha Twitchit, Christopher Robin and Bartholomew Cubbins), but the minute I stop living in small apartments I’m getting at least one dog as well—oh, and I’m also a rat, fish, hamster and ferret person.

6.  Who is the last person you said thank you to?

The Teacher Librarian at the school I’ve spent all week demonstrating 3D printing at—she did a lot of work arranging it so we could visit all the classes, and she’s letting us take over half her library for the duration.

7.  Coffee, tea, water… or something else?

Coffee. I would never be able to survive the morning-heavy (story time) nature of my job without it!

8.  What was your favorite book as a child?

At different times, Outside Over There (Sendak), Gumdrop Finds a Ghost (Val Biro), Babar Visits Another Planet, Nancy Drew: Captive Witness, and Simon (Rosemary Sutcliff).

9.  Do you have any tattoos or piercings?

Currently just piercings, my ears and a small nose stud, but I have a yearning for a picture book character tattoo, or possible something from Edward Gorey—maybe for my next birthday.

10.  What volunteer or altruistic activities are you involved with?

I’m a Brownie Leader— just got my 20 year pin in the mail from Girl Guides of Canada (and I was also with Brownies for two years with GSUSA while I worked in the US)! I also mentor (if that counts), currently just with ALSC, but sometimes also with the Ontario Library Association. I’ve also been known to teach Sunday School and I’m about to see if I can sign up to mind a donations kettle for the Salvation Army this holiday season. And I can almost always be guilted in to giving help with any cause, at least in the short term.

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Thanks, Polly! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

The post ALSC Member of the Month — Polly Ross appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Stephanie Smallwood.

1.  What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

Photo courtesy of Jamie Johnson

I am the early literacy specialist for the Springfield-Greene County Library District in Springfield, Missouri. I provide training, support and mentorship in early literacy and early childhood development for internal staff, conduct an outreach program which serves families and community organizations, and of course, advocate for families with young children. And like many other librarians, assist with ALL THE THINGS.

2.  Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

Youth librarianship, much like other professions that serve children and teens, is sometimes not regarded with the respect it deserves. ALSC works very hard to improve that. I am not currently a member of other ALA divisions, but I am a long time member of NAEYC.

3.  Who is your favorite book character?

Olivia! I give those books to the kids in my life all the time, but it turns out that the only Olivia book I own myself is in Latin… (because I have the kind of friends that buy you your favorite picture books in Latin. It’s ok, you can be jealous.)

4.  What are three things you are thankful for?

Only three?

1) My support system, which includes my fiancé (A.K.A my biggest fan), incredibly close circle of friends, my family, and my supervisor and colleagues.
2) My career. I’m nurturing the roots of my community every day, what is better than that?
3) Beauty. Whether it is nature, music, art or people’s actions, beautiful things remind us that life is worth living.

5.  What’s the scariest book you’ve ever read?

I’m not sure if it is the scariest, but I just finished The Nest by Kenneth Oppel. It has an intense, underlying creepiness on multiple levels, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

6.  Are you a dog person or a cat person?

While I appreciate dogs, I’m definitely a cat person all the way. I have a black and white kitty named Dani who has been my furry companion for 11 years and I adore her.

7.  What’s your favorite thing to do at your Library?

Telling families how amazing they are and all the wonderful things they are doing for their children. So many caregivers feel uncertainty about how well they are raising their kids, my happiest moments are the ones where I watch a mom (dad, grandparent, foster family, etc) become visibly lighter when I tell her that those tiny things she does everyday are exactly what her child needs. And I give kids free books which is pretty awesome too!

8.  What do you wish every children’s librarian knew?

That they are having a positive impact on their community every single day. It is so easy to forget that when facing the everyday challenges and frustrations, but every reference interaction, safe place for a teen to be a teen, collection decision, carefully planned program, behind the scenes work, and smile we provide matters. And it matters a lot.

9.  What was your favorite book as a child?

Owliver by Robert Kraus, illustrated by Jose Aruego and Ariana Dewey. No existential reason other than I just loved it. And The Poky Little Puppy which I checked out of the library every other week until one time it was overdue, my mother swore we had returned it, and then we found it months later. Oops…

10.  What is a hobby you are working on?

I really enjoy cooking, which is a surprise because I never thought I could cook. I like the challenge and creating things that I and others can enjoy. And garlic. I really like garlic.

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Thanks, Stephanie! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

The post ALSC Member of the Month — Stephanie Smallwood appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Lorianna Giarrizzo.

Courtesy photo from Lorianna Giarrizzo

1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

I am a children’s librarian for the Palo Alto City Library, at the Children’s Library branch. I work primarily with kids 5^th grade and younger but have dabbled with programs and reference for teens and adults.  I have been in this position for a little over a year, but I have been working in libraries on and off for the last 8 years.

2. Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

I joined ALSC because I wanted to get more involved with my professional peers, keep up to date on trends in youth services, and gain new ideas and experiences from all the resources ALSC has to offer. I am currently not a member of any other ALA divisions.

3. What’s your favorite thing about Fall?

I love to bake, and I have many pie-related plans for fall. Fall is also time for my favorite holiday, Halloween. It’s the only time of year I can buy housewares with my desired number of bats, spiders, and skeletons on them.

4. If you could be on a reality show, which one would it be?

My favorite reality shows are Project Runway, and RuPaul’s Drag Race, but seeing as I’m neither a fashion designer nor drag queen, I don’t think I could be on either of those. I’d rather be on a gameshow, I think I could excel at Family Feud.

5. What do you think children’s librarians will be doing ten years from now?

I don’t think storytime will ever go away, nor will readers advisory interviews. A lot of people have fond memories of coming to the library as children, so I think future generations will want these same library services for their own kids. I think children’s librarians will spend a lot more time outside of traditional library buildings in the future, doing much more outreach into the schools, businesses and the community. I believe lot of tools of the trade will likely change too, with more e-resources available and a variety of types of items for loan. I think the main goals of children’s librarians will stay the same

6. Have you ever played a practical joke on someone?

I’m not a big fan of pranks, but when I was in fifth grade I stuffed the fingers of my gloves with paper towels and crayons and offered to “shake hands” with classmates. When they grabbed my hand, I made the crayons snap so it seemed like they had broken my fingers. My teacher and classmates did not find this quite as hilarious as I thought they would.

7. Would you rather go to a 5 star restaurant or on a picnic?

5 star restaurant. The fancier and more unpronounceable the sauces, the better. I would like it if the menu also mentioned “mouthfeel”.

8. Are you a social media addict?  What do you use daily… Twitter? Tumblr? Facebook? LinkedIn? Pinterest? Instagram? Flickr? Vine?  Something else?

I’m not necessarily an addict, but I do like browsing Instagram daily (@lorianna_g). I also like browsing Pinterest for craft ideas, and I am just recently figuring out what Snapchat is.

9. What’s your favorite way of promoting services at your library to your customers?

I love doing outreach to schools and community events. It is so fun to run into customers outside of the library, especially when it’s the kids that come to my storytime! I also really enjoy being able to tell people who haven’t visited the library in years all the services we offer.

10. Would you rather watch trash TV at home or go to a play?

Go to a play. I love musicals especially, and if time and money permitted I would go all the time!

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Thanks, Lorianna! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

The post ALSC Member of the Month — Lorianna Giarrizzo appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Angela Hubbard.

Photo courtesy of Angela Hubbard

1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

I’ve been with the ALSC office since May, which seems like just yesterday, and I am thrilled to be to go-to person on the ALSC team for projects and partnerships. In addition to sharing information with our partner organizations, I promote our members’ Día activities throughout the year and manage grant opportunities like Curiosity Creates.

2. Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

My background is in elementary teaching and early childhood advocacy, and I have always been amazed by librarians’ ability to—simply put—do SO much for such a broad range of people. ALSC seemed like the perfect fit because of my passion for education and my desire to make sure that all children have the opportunity to experience the joy of wandering through row upon row of books in the welcoming setting of their local library.

3. Would you rather bring a lunch from home or eat out at lunch?

Oh, from home, hands down. First off, I eat little tidbits of things throughout the day… a yogurt here, a few grapes there… so I pack a lot in my lunch. I also LOVE to garden, so right now everything we make at home is packed with fresh tomatoes or zucchini. There’s nothing tastier than food made fresh from the garden, in my book.

4. E-books or Print?

I am still very much a print person. I don’t knock e-readers for others, but I remember what I read much better when there is actual page turning involved. I also like that I can give (print) books to friends after I’ve read them. Have they added that function to e-readers yet… digital re-gifting?

5. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I’m going to go with something completely within the realm of possibility… I would have the superpower of making the subway train run express to and from the station of my choosing. Ahhh what a glorious commute that would be!

6. What’s your favorite season?

Photo courtesy of Angela Hubbard

Summer is my favorite, although we really only have two here in Chicago, so that’s not a very difficult choice! Since summer is filled with streetfests, playing sports and gardening, it beats shoveling crusted over snow any day!

Did I mention that I love gardening?

7. What do you love most about working in the ALSC office?

Working in the ASLC office allows me an opportunity to hear about some of the awe-inspiring work our members are doing all over the country. I especially love getting the chance to know our members through their committee work and figuring out ways to amplify their impact.

8. What’s your favorite form of exercise?

I prefer to exercise by playing team sports. Volleyball is my favorite, followed by softball and dodgeball. Yes, we actually have adult dodgeball leagues in Chicago… because Chicago is awesome and you should move here.

9. Favorite age of kids to work with?

This is a tough one because each age has its charm, but I would have to say the three to five year old range is my favorite to work with. I love how quickly they grow and make connections at that age. I haven’t worked with children under three yet, but I’m sure the rapid development is even more amazing in the birth to three range.

10. What do you think libraries will look like fifty years from now?

I’m sure technology will change some content formats and delivery systems, and perhaps the architecture will have entered a new era, but fundamentally I think the library will still look as magical as it always has. There will be an enormous amount of information available and people of all walks and stages of life will be tucked into reading nooks here and there, asking an occasional question to the librarian who probably remembers them from the last time they were in and suggests something else they might find interesting.

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Thanks, Angela! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

The post ALSC Member of the Month – Angela Hubbard appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Tracy Geiser.

Courtesy photo from Tracy Geiser

1.  What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

I am currently the fulltime Head of Children’s Services at the Half Hollow Hills Community Library in Dix Hills, NY as well as being a parttime Youth and Family Services Librarian for the Hauppauge Public Library in Hauppauge, NY. This October will be 3 years at Half Hollow so I’m still relatively new there but I’ve been at Hauppauge for about 13 years now.

2.  Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

I joined ALSC back when I first started library school because it was a place where I could go for answers and ideas. It was a HUGE help back then and still is! I also belong to YALSA (I actually used to be a Teen Services Department Head) and PLA.

3.  What do you think children’s librarians will be doing ten years from now?

With so much of our programming turning towards STEAM workshops or being based on Common Core, I definitely see us in more of a teaching role.

4.  E-books or Print?

Print! I do have a tablet that I use BUT I only started reading e-books because all of my books wouldn’t fit in my suitcase when I went away.

5.  Do you have any tattoos or piercings?

I currently have 3 tattoos but have 2 more in the works…one being a gorgeous book themed one that I can’t wait to get!

6.  Who is your favorite book character?

Jo from Little Women is still to this day my favorite book character. She was such a tomboy and that’s how I grew up. It was easier to relate to her and with her being a bookworm.

7.  Favorite part of being a Children’s Librarian?

It’s bittersweet but I love meeting children when they’re very little and watching them grow up in to teens and then seeing where they head to in the future.

8.  Who is the last person you said thank you to?

More like people – my staff at Half Hollow. The summer is always crazy for every library and everyone is short staffed nowadays. They are just amazing to work with and always pull through. I can’t begin to even thank them enough!

9.  When you were a kid, did you excitedly look forward to the first day of school? Or did you dread the thought of the end of summer?

I was the school geek – I LOVED the first day of school! I would wait impatiently for the name of my teacher to come in the mail and I couldn’t wait to go school supply shopping. I still love to shop for office supplies. I’m very picky about my pens.

10.  What volunteer or altruistic activities are you involved with?

I have done the AVON Breast Cancer Walk and would love to do it again but that’s something that you need to have a team as support. It’s emotionally draining as well as physically. It’s absolutely amazing and I would highly recommend doing it at least once. I also walk in honor of my Dad for Heart Association Walks.

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Thanks, Tracy! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

The post ALSC Member of the Month – Tracy Geiser appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Sharon McClintock.

1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

Photo courtesy of Sharon McClintock

I’ve been a Children’s Librarian for 15 years at the Mountain View Public Library in Mountain View, California. I present a baby storytime called Mother Goose & More, preschool storytimes, school age class visits and a 3rd/4th grade reading club named READ Quest. I coordinate our Parenting speaker series and recently started a Rubik’s Cube Club. I love providing readers’ advisory and reference service as well as managing our Parenting and Children’s Music collections. Not long ago a friend asked me what my dream job would be. I answered honestly, “I’m doing it!”

2. Why did you join ALSC?

I joined ALSC to benefit from the experience and knowledge of my colleagues around the country, and get inspiration from conferences, online courses and the ALSC Blog. Just last week I created a Kids’ Choice display that I read about on the blog in a post by Abby Johnson, and I took an excellent online course on Storytelling with Puppets last year. ALSC does so much to advance library services to children, including early literacy initiatives and the Youth Media Awards; I want to support and be a part of it.

3. If you could be on a reality show, which one would it be?

Dancing with the Stars! When I can, I join some of my librarian friends who get together regularly to watch this show and it’s so entertaining. I love dancing, and I’m looking forward to planning some preschool dance parties with a colleague this year.

4. If you could enjoy a dinner conversation with any author – living or dead – who would it be?

If I could fudge a little on “author” (though he did write some books for children and parents, he is much better known for his TV show) I would choose Fred Rogers, no question! His kindness, his wisdom, his incredible talent for explaining the most profound concepts in the simplest terms, have been a professional as well as a personal inspiration to me. He always encouraged and lifted up those around him, and he inspires me to do the same. Though I’m sure I often miss the mark, he is always there as a role model for me.

5. What’s the last book you recommended to a friend?

I recommended the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith to a friend who is visiting Botswana soon. I love those books, and am so happy that we now have a children’s version — the Precious Ramotswe Mysteries.

6. Favorite part of being a Children’s Librarian?

I adore children’s books and music and learning new nursery rhymes for storytime. But more than that I care about the children and parents I work with and love helping families create happy memories.

7. What is the last song you sang?

We sang Baby Shark in storytime yesterday, after reading Nick Sharratt’s brilliant Shark in the Park! Everyone, adults included, got a kick out of both!

8. What do you love most about working at your library?

Our staff is fantastic — kind, creative and very supportive. Once, someone in our Customer Services group said to me, “we’ve got your back.” What a lovely thing that was to hear, and I feel that support from my colleagues every day.

9. Who is the last person you said thank you to?

This morning I thanked an incredible volunteer who has helped me with our 3rd/4th grade reading club for the last several years and will be joining us again this summer. His name is Benson and he also happens to be my next door neighbor! I have wonderful teen volunteers who help with this program, but it’s so nice to have another dedicated adult in the room, as well.

10. Favorite age of kids to work with?

If I had to pick a favorite it would be toddlers. They are so cute and so affectionate. I’ve gotten some hugs from toddlers that I will never forget!

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Thanks, Sharon! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

The post ALSC Member of the Month – Sharon McClintock appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Lisa Mulvenna.

1.  What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

Courtesy photo

I am the Head of Youth/YA Services at the Clinton-Macomb Public Library. I have been in my current position since September 2013. Before that, I was a Youth Services Librarian at CMPL for 12 years. While I am in management now and don’t have as much to do with it as before, my specialty was early literacy and young children’s programming. Now I get to do fun things like helping to shape budgets and goals for our organization so we can do great things like early literacy or school outreach.

2.  Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

I joined ALSC to connect with other children’s librarians and to grow in my profession. The networking opportunities are invaluable and I have pulled many ideas from colleagues. I am also a member of PLA.

3.  Do you enjoy summer weather?

Despite living in Michigan, which is definitely a four season state, I am a total summer lover! As soon as the weather starts warming up in the spring, I am outside in my flip flops and shorts or driving with my sunroof open. Plus, there is nothing as relaxing as a summer evening spent reading on the front porch!

4.  E-books or Print?

It’s a mix. When I am working with kids, especially those under the age of 5, I prefer print books. It is important to learn about print, practice turning the pages, and being able to cuddle up to a caregiver to share a story. Plus, the illustrations are awesome! As an adult, almost all of the books that I read for pleasure are e-books because I am a device junkie and they give me easy access to e-books. On the other hand, I still love to be able to browse my local Barnes and Noble for a couple of hours!

5.  Favorite part of being a Children’s Librarian?

I love being able to watch the kiddos grow up! I get to see them in my baby and toddler story times, then as they grow, they will be back for homework help and pleasure reading once they hit school.

6.  Favorite age of kids to work with?

It used to be just 2 year olds, but I have now added babies into the mix. Even though their ages are close, they are very different to program for. Both are a lot of fun!

7.  What movie would you rather watch in a theater than at home?

The whole Harry Potter series! While I have them all on DVD, I loved seeing them all on the big screen.

8.  When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I was one of those kids where it changed often. At my kindergarten graduation, I wanted to be a nurse, but I have also wanted to be a doctor, a lawyer, a child therapist, and a music teacher. Luckily, I picked right!

9.  Tell us something that not many people know.

My family is in the 2001 Guinness World Records for largest family reunion. We had 3500 people at the Lake County Fairgrounds outside of Chicago. Since the Guinness World Records is a hot item at our library, the kids are flabbergasted when I tell them that I am in there.

10.  What do you think libraries will look like fifty years from now?

I think that the ideas and basic missions will be the same, but the way that we do them will change. Books are not going away and literacy will always be important. After all, you need to be able to read to do just about everything else. I see us becoming more of a community organization. Staff will do more outreach to take their mission on the road. We will do more programming out in the community, rather than mostly in the library.

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Thanks, Lisa! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

The post ALSC Member of the Month — Lisa Mulvenna appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Have you noticed the monthly ALSC Member of the Month Profile on the Blog? Have you enjoyed reading these profiles?

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization.

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

We’re looking for ALSC Members willing to be profiled in the coming months. C’mon, it’s fun! Wouldn’t you like to be highlighted? We’ll be waiting to hear from you!

The post Are you willing to answer ten questions? appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Cindy Boatfield.

1.  What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

I have been a librarian for over 20 years but have been in my current position, Youth Services Senior Librarian at the Frisco Public Library in Frisco, Texas since 2008. My major responsibility is to coordinate all aspects of Early Literacy. I also order picture books, provide reference and reader’s advisory for all ages, create displays, serve on the e-resources committee, provide in-house tours and outreach when requested. I also oversee the Student Teller Program. Each year we audition and coach students ages 8 to 18 to tell a story during the library’s annual storytelling festival.

2.  Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

I think the major reason is so I have a connection with other youth services librarians. To stay on top of current trends and practices. To learn about upcoming workshops. And I enjoy the resources and ideas I get from this blog! No I do not currently belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables. But I should probably join YALSA since I read so many YA books and enjoy assisting with events for teens.

3.  Would you rather bring a lunch from home or eat out at lunch?

I would rather bring a lunch from home so I can spend as much time as possible reading my book!

4.  How do you incorporate STEM/STEAM activities in your work with children? 

We have STEM Spots (we created a graphic) during our 2’s and 3-5’s story time classes. We provide take-home sheets and post the activities on our website. Here is an exciting moment from last session when we successfully launched a balloon rocket.

During our Stay, Play & Learn dates, children can build with DUPLO Legos while reading books featuring STEM topics, and can delve into math by playing with the Farm Sorting Set we purchased from Lakeshore.

In February, we are offering a workshop, I STEM, You STEM for childcare providers, preschool teachers, and parents. Demonstrations of exciting hands-on activities to spark young children’s interest in science and engineering will be shared.

We also have big books with activity sheets featuring science, math, and art topics children and adults can enjoy while at the library.

5.  What form(s) of transportation do you prefer?

I like to travel by airplane and train for obvious reasons but I have wonderful memories while riding on a boat. When I was around seven, my dad, mom, sister and grandparents (my father and grandfather jointly owned a boat) would head to Guntersville Lake in Alabama to go for a ride. I would hold on tight while dangling my legs off the bow. There was a little grocery store where we docked to get gas and they had chocolate ice cream, Yum!

6.  Would you rather go to a 5 star restaurant or on a picnic?

As much as I like to dress up, and would enjoy the atmosphere, and fancy food I would still rather go on a picnic. I could pack plenty of my favorite foods (I’ve heard that some people leave a 5 star restaurant hungry), I could invite a few friends, pick a lovely spot, and just relax.

7.  What do you love about your work?

I love the variety throughout my workday whether it is presenting story time, putting books in the hands of children and teens, ordering materials and looking at new books (SWEET!). I love that I can be creative when planning story times or when putting together a display. That I am continually learning. What I love most of all is I am in a position to impact the lives of children.

8.  What’s the last book you recommended to a friend?

I have a friend who loves to read young adult. So I recommended, We Were Liars by e. Lockhart. That book still haunts me to this day.

9.  If you could bring back any extinct animal, which would it be?

I would bring back a dinosaur so I could take him to story time.

10.  When was the last time you “messed up” during story time?

During my ECRR tip in story time this past summer I told the adults they could create a matching game to extend the bird theme at home. I told them to go to Google Images, print pictures of different kinds of birds, cut them out, and put them on index cards. Then I went on to say, they could write the names of the birds on index cards like cardinal, robin, and mockingjay… I’ll leave it at that.

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Thanks, Cindy! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

The post ALSC Member of the Month — Cindy Boatfield appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions (plus one) with ALSC member, Pat Bashir.

1.  What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

Photo courtesy of Cassandra Welch

I’m a Children’s Librarian and I have been working with libraries since 2003.  Currently I work at the Southeast Branch of the Nashville Public Library in Antioch, TN.  My official title is Librarian 2 which essentially means I’m the Children’s Services Supervisor.  I joined the Nashville Public Library two years ago as the children’s librarian for the Main Library.  I transferred to the Southeast Branch in January where I had the opportunity to help them move to a brand new building.  I’m responsible for the training and development of two Library Associates and a page.  I’m also the volunteer leader in my branch.  In this role, I communicate with the volunteer coordinator and let him know when and where we need volunteers, as well as being the point person for the volunteers. I also ensure that we offer programs for all ages, offer outreach visits and that our patrons get excellent customer service.

2.  Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

I joined ALSC because I believe it helps with my professional development and helps me stay abreast to the latest trends in the library world.  I haven’t joined any other division yet but eventually I would like to join REFORMA.

3.  Do you have any Winter Holiday traditions?

I celebrate Christmas with family and friends every year.  I’m originally from Colombia and I have tried to maintain some of the Colombian traditions in my family.  During the holiday season we do something called Novena in which we pray and sing Christmas Carols in front of the Nativity Scene.  Most Colombians make a pretty elaborate Nativity but I have a very simple one.  We do this starting On December 16th until Christmas Eve when we celebrate with a special dinner and open the presents at midnight.

4.  E-books or Print?

I love them both.  I specially enjoy reading picture books in print. I read  juvenile fiction and young Adult e-books and I also like to listen to a good book on my way to work.  I download my audiobooks from Overdrive or I borrow them from the library.

5.  How do you keep up with library news?

I subscribe to the ALA newsletter and follow different blogs though a website called Feedspot.  I get a daily update on different blogs and electronic journals through this website.  I also subscribe to Listservs such as PUBYAC and the Tennessee State Library.   I enjoy reading Library Sparks to get ideas for programs and different themes for story times.

6.  What’s the best thing about your Library?

The best thing about the Southeast branch library is the great amount of resources and new technology that we have available to our patrons.  We have a 24/7 free movie rental kiosk and a 24/7 vending machine that offers books and movies for all the audiences.  Also a laptop and iPad check out station.

7.  How much time do you spend reading each week?

I listen to a book for 3 hours a week.  I also read print or e-books for about another 2 hours per week.  Every chance I can find, I read picture books and professional journals as well.

8.  Favorite part of being a Children’s Librarian?

My favorite part of being a Children’s Librarian is doing story time and the hugs that I get from the kids after it.

9.  What is your favorite type of food?

My favorite type of food is Colombian cuisine of course.  I love to eat soups such as “Sancocho”, a very typical chicken soup we make in Colombia with plantains, potatoes, yucca and corn.

 10.  Favorite age of kids to work with?

I love to work with all ages but my favorite age is toddlers 1-3 year olds.  They are so cute and they always have a smile for me.  I totally love doing toddler story time.

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Thanks, Pat! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions (plus one) with ALSC member, Jane Breen.

1.  What do you do and how long have you been doing it?

Photo courtesy of Dorothy Breen

I am a Family Literacy Advocate and Educator, Teen Volunteer Coordinator, award winning program innovator and Community Outreach Librarian.* swish cape *  As  the Children’s Specialist in the Faxon Branch Library, part of the West Hartford Public Libraries, I am responsible for Children’s and Teens programs, services, collection development and all things creative within my department.  I have worked in Youth Services in the small but mighty state of CT for 27 remarkable years – both schools and public libraries. I am a believer in the statement: “childrens librarians are the Jacks and Jills of all trades.”

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions (plus one) with ALSC member, Constance Keremes.

1.  What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

Photo courtesy Patrick Heath Public Library

I am the Youth Services Librarian at the Patrick Heath Public Library in Boerne, Texas. I have been a librarian for over twenty years. As such, I am responsible for conceptualizing and orchestrating storytimes, afterschool programs, and special events. I also oversee the youth department collection development, maintain the youth department budget, provide reader’s advisory, conduct library tours, visit schools and nursery schools, and go out into the community to promote the library through out-of-house programs/presentations. I also work to promote the library by writing a newspaper column and use of social media including e-newsletters and a Facebook page.

I have an undergraduate degree in Education and History from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York, and a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the C. W. Post University in Brookville, New York. I have worked in libraries in New York, Arizona, and now Texas. I also have over thirty years of experience as an in- and out-of-house editor and writer of educational materials, and several children’s books published, along with numerous poems appearing in anthologies.

2.  Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or Roundtables?

I joined ALSC because as a Youth Librarian, I wanted to be kept continually knowledgeable of the latest trends in the field of youth services, learning from documented research as well as the outpouring of shared knowledge from fellow librarians. I am also a member of the YALSA division.

3.  What are you proudest of having accomplished in your professional career?

I have had several children’s books published, along with numerous poems appearing in anthologies. Having a book published is a very great honor, but deeply meaningful to me is the experiences I have had here at the Patrick Heath Public Library with the many families who utilize our library. It is so very gratifying to establish a rapport with children through the bond of literature, and have a child return to the library to tell me he liked the book I suggested, hungry for more to read.

4.  What book are you currently reading?

I am reading the WEREWORLD series by Curtis Jobling. This series was suggested to me by one of my young patrons. I researched it and was delighted to find it described as a good series for fans of John Flanagan’s RANGER’S APPRENTICE series—my great favorite. The Jobling series is a liberally splashed with blood and gore, but very well written with compelling characters and suspenseful plotting.

5.  What’s the best book you’ve read this year?

On the adult end, it was the LIBERATION TRILOGY by Rick Atkinson, a brilliant account of World War II with deeply stirring you-are-there accounts of the action. On the youth end, how hard to narrow down to just one! Here are three: RANGER’S APPRENTICE by John Flanagan, GHOST HAWK by Susan Cooper and UNDER A WAR-TORN SKY by Laura Elliot, both of which are historical fiction.

6.  Do you dress up for Halloween?

I love dressing up for Halloween. Children take great delight in seeing adults show a playful side. I don’t only dress up at Halloween—I’ve loads of costumes that I use throughout the year at library programs.

7.  When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Ah, what a little dreamer I was as a child, forever pretending to be all manner of people. Books fueled my imagination, as I fancied myself everything from a ballerina to astronaut. I often played at being a librarian, enjoying the process of making my dolls little library cards and putting pockets in my books for stamping. Little did I know that I would one day become a librarian!

8.  What’s the best thing you’ve learned this year?

At the encouragement of my library director, I learned how to use apps via an iPad in my storytimes. As one of the older generation, this was a big leap for me into the digital world. I enjoyed so much the process of learning and sharing stories through this new medium.

9.  Would you rather explore outer space or deep, deep in the ocean?

As a member of the Space Race generation, I would love to rocket off to outer space and explore the galaxies on a starship similar to the old STAR TREK programs. Our library’s summer reading theme this year will be outer space, so my galactic dreams will be close to coming true.

10.  Favorite part of being a children’s librarian?

Definitely it is the opportunity to work with children and share my love of literature with them.

11.  What do you think libraries will look like fifty years from now?

Technology will have a greater impact on libraries in the coming decades, with more electronic resources available. However, I do believe that the printed word will always be an integral part of libraries. Naysayers have for years been lamenting a future world devoid of books, but throughout the decades the plucky printed word has endured, continually enriching young and old alike.

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Born and raised in New York, Constance has resided in Boerne for nearly eight years. She especially enjoys dance, music, and reading. Her published works include I Wanted to Go to the Circus (Harbinger House, 1989), Erni Cabat’s Wonderful World of the Carousel,  (Harbinger House, 1990), Hootenanny Night, (State House Press, 1991), as well as poems in anthologies edited by Lee Bennett Hopkins and Julie Andrews.

Thanks, Constance! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Renee Grassi.

1.  What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

I am the Youth Department Director at the Glen Ellyn Public Library in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. I’m relatively new to this position, having started at Glen Ellyn in June of 2014. Previously, I was the Head of Children’s Services at the Glencoe Public Library for two years, and was a Youth Services Librarian at the Deerfield Public Library for four years.

2.  Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

One of the many reasons I joined ALSC was that I wanted to participate and advocate for the profession on a larger scale. What I particularly love about being an ALSC member is that I have so many opportunities to connect and learn from children’s librarians across the country. I have always appreciated ALSC’s commitment to innovation in the field of children’s library service, and I am continually inspired by the work that we as an organization do to enrich the lives of children. Besides ALSC, I am also a member of PLA and am a member of the ALSC Library Services to Special Populations and Their Caregivers Committee.

3.  Cats, dogs, or Butterflies?

Anyone who knows me knows I don’t even have to think twice about my answer–cats, for sure! One of my favorite things to do is to volunteer at local cat shelters. When I lived in downtown Chicago, you would often find me at Harmony House for Cats taking care of and socializing with the kitties. In my spare time, I enjoy the company of my two feline family members—Sanchez and Gus.

4.  E-books or Print?

Both. As much as we are hurdling towards everything digital, nothing will compare to the experience a child has holding a book for the very first time. For us as children’s librarians, I think it’s all about the balance between both.

5.  How do you prepare for the start of a new school year?

When I was a kid, I couldn’t wait for school to start. I was that kid who, mid-July, was just itching to go school supplies shopping, buy all of my notebooks and folders (and label them), and practice trying on my “first day of school” outfit. As of late, a new school year is synonymous with the end of Summer Reading. And as much as I just love Summer Reading and all of the exciting preparations that take place, there is nothing more enjoyable and therapeutic than taking all of the decorations down, cleaning off our desks, and starting fresh for the new school year.

6.  What do you love most about living and working in Illinois?

The librarian in me would respond by say that I feel so lucky to be in the company of countless incredible Illinois librarians, who continue to challenge and inspire me each day. We have strong support of libraries in this state and are fortunate to have such a fantastic Illinois Library Association as well. With Chicago being the epicenter of the American Library Association, we have the expertise of librarian leaders and powerhouses right at our fingertips. And the fact that the ALA Conferences always come back around to Chicago is pretty awesome, too.

The foodie in me would say one word: pizza!

7.  Are you a morning person or night person?

Night person, for sure. Some of my best ideas come to me at night, so I keep a journal next to my bed to jot them all down.

8.  Favorite tv show?

I have to choose one? Well, you will often find me tweeting about Glee, Parenthood, How I Met Your Mother, Sherlock, or The Big Bang Theory. And does the Tony Awards count? That’s like my Christmas.

9.  What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Chocolate. That was easy.

10.  What do you love about your work?

The variety. The challenge. The impact. The people.

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Thanks, Renee! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Beth Munk.

Photo courtesy of Beth Munk

1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

I am the children’s services manager at the Kendallville Public Library. I have been overseeing programming, collections, and staff here for 10 years.

2. Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

I joined ALSC around 4 years ago because I wanted to get more involved in the library profession.   I have served on various local and state agencies boards helping organizations to achieve their missions. I’ve been involved in the Indiana Library Federation and Children and Young Person Division (CYPD) conference planning committees for years but was really interested in taking things to the next level.   Joining ALSC has allowed me to connect with librarians across the country and discuss the future of our profession.

3. What motivates you?

Forward movement. People can be divided into two categories – Builders or Maintainers –I’m a builder. Builders are innovators, creators, and explorers. They not only get to create new services, projects, and programs, but they also get to find ways to expand and enhance what is already there.   I heard someone say once that they “hate sameness.” That’s me, I am consistently telling my staff that we did a great job, but what can we do to make it bigger? Better?

4. What are you proudest of having accomplished in your professional career?

The thing I’m most proud of in my professional career is helping to bring the library to LIFE for the youth of Kendallville. I have pushed myself and my staff to be “there” wherever that may be, and promote the connections in our life to what the library has to offer.

5. Favorite age of kids to work with?

I LOVE to work with students in the upper elementary (grades 3-6). This group is able to enjoy a great picture book and a fun activity, but are also able to delve into deep converstations and participate in a multi-step project.

6. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

When I was little I went through a variety of careers that I was interested in…the one the stuck around the longest, was that of the sports broadcaster.   I went to Purdue University and received a degree in communications with the hopes of landing an on air job in the news.

7. What’s one “rule” you wished every librarian followed?

I wish every librarian would follow the “rule” to sometimes, “just give them the pickle!” This is a story told by Bob Farrell on the importance of customer service.   Basically, it boils down to sometimes you have to break the “rules.” What’s your “pickle” in your job/library? Is it more important than a happy customer?

8. Movies or plays?

This is a tough one, because I love both.   For many years I have travelled to Stratford, Canada with a group of high school kids to enjoy the Shakespearean festival and I wouldn’t trade those experiences for any movie. BUT there is a time to curl up on the couch with your kids and belt out “Let it Snow,” just one more time.

9. Have you ever photobombed someone?

I do my very best to never ever be photographed for any reason, so I have never photobombed anyone, but almost every time someone sneaks a picture of me there is someone making some face in the background.

10. What do you love about your work?

I love so many things about my work, but probably my favorite part is meeting authors and listening to their stories about why they write, what they used to do, or just the silly things they have been through. This in itself is wonderful, but taking that to a group of 4^th graders and getting the feeling that I’m giving them some secret insight into the book or author we’re discussing is awesome!

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Thanks, Beth! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Jenna Nemec-Loise.

1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

Courtesy photo from Jenna Nemec-Loise

I’m a relationship architect, a community builder, and an early childhood specialist. I’m an Everyday Advocate for youth, families, and libraries. On occasion, I’ve been called Flannelboard Ace and Teen Volunteer Coordinator Extraordinaire. And I’ve been doing it all at school and public libraries in and around Chicago for 14 daring years. (You thought I was just going to say “children’s librarian,” didn’t you? Ha!)

2. Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

Doesn’t everyone join ALSC to be more awesome for the communities they serve? That’s certainly why I did! When I got my first job as a librarian at a small private school, I had no idea what I was doing. But I did know that in order to be awesome at my job, I had to do two things: (1) get an MLIS, which I earned two years later from Dominican University, and (2) join ALSC, which I did immediately. Guess which one started paying off right away?

I’m also a member of PLA and YALSA, and my involvement with both divisions has been equally rewarding.

3. What are you proudest of having accomplished in your professional career?

By far, it’s been my advocacy work on behalf of children, families, and libraries through ALSC-related opportunities.

Through a four-year term on the ALSC Early Childhood Programs and Services Committee, I helped coordinate a 2012 membership survey on early learning partnerships. Our data not only contributed to the May 2013 IMLS Growing Young Minds report, but it also made it into the hands of a White House Domestic Policy Council member at National Library Legislative Day 2013 in Washington, D.C.

I’ve also been honored to serve as Member Content Editor of the ALSC Everyday Advocacy website and electronic newsletter since February 2013. Most recently, I had the privilege of representing ALSC and PLA during the 2014 Opening Minds Innovation Award showcase, where educators, administrators, policy makers, and funders voted Every Child Ready to Read @ your library as the next game changer in the early childhood field. What an incredible experience!

4. Favorite age of kids to work with?

Those babies! I can’t resist their fascination with everything and the sheer joy that comes from sharing books, songs, and rhymes with them. That magic is the elixir of my library life!

5. What’s one “rule” you wished every librarian followed?

People over paperwork.

In these days of budget cuts and staffing shortages, we have to arm ourselves daily with endless streams of facts, statistics, and anecdotes to ensure we stay relevant in our communities. It’s easy to get lost in this climate of urgency, bogged down by this report or that deadline. We have a choice, though, and it’s a simple one: Stay grounded.

The child standing in front of you deserves every ounce of your attention. For the precious minutes you have with him, make him feel like the Most Important Child in the World. The paperwork can wait; the child can’t.

6. What do you collect?

Is it too nerdy to say Folkmanis puppets? Because I’ve got about 50 of ‘em! They’re the biggest hit you can imagine at all my book sharing programs, and even the big kids get in on the fun when we bring them out at the library.

My first puppet was Mabel (a big wooly sheep), who was quickly followed by Snap (an alligator) and Wally (a camel). The fan favorite, though, is Otis, my big floppy sheepdog. The little ones love rubbing their faces in his fur!

7. Who is your role model? Why?

Hands down, it’s Fred Rogers.

As a young child, I desperately loved Mr. Rogers and his Land of Make-Believe. He piqued my sense of wonder and made me feel safe with his soft-spoken demeanor and familiar routines. When Mr. Rogers talked to me, I felt smart and important.

And that’s why I love Fred Rogers to this day. His respect for young children and every aspect of their physical, socioemotional, and psychosocial development inspires my adult passion for engaging in developmentally appropriate library practice.

(Funny Mr. Rogers story: My mom called the pediatrician once because she was concerned that I was talking out loud to no one. When Dr. Mabini asked what else I was doing, she told him I was watching Mr. Rogers on TV. Dr. Mabini chuckled and said, “Well, Mr. Rogers asks lots of questions. When someone asks you something, you answer him, right?”)

8. What’s the best thing you’ve learned this year?

I learned a new definition of advocacy that clarifies the whole murky business! During the ALA Advocacy Coordinating Group meeting in Las Vegas, Office of Library Advocacy Director Marci Merola defined advocacy as “turning passive support into educated action.” Awesome, right? (Thanks, Marci!)

9. Favorite part of being a children’s librarian?

Building relationships with children, families, and communities. My library building is starting to show its age, and our children’s collection could use some refreshing. But I know I’m doing something right when kids and families stop by just to say, “Hi, Miss Jenna!” I treasure those moments when I get to say in return, “I’m so glad you came by to see me today! Have I got a book for you…”

10. Do you have any pets?

I sure do! Trudy is my two-year-old mini-lop rabbit and the unofficial mascot of my library’s animal-themed summer program. Kids and families love hearing Trudy stories and seeing pictures of her various bunny shenanigans. (Trust me—there are many.)

I’m proud to say my little gal has inspired lots of reading this summer! Back in May, I challenged kids at my library to read 150,000 minutes as a group during our eight-week program. I promised that if they met this goal, I’d adopt a second rabbit as a mate for Trudy. With two weeks left to go, kids have read a whopping 120,000 minutes, so it looks like it’ll be double the bunny fun at my house come August!

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Thanks, Jenna! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Alison O’Reilly Poage.

Courtesy photo

1.  What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

In February I finished up my role as the Director of the Cutchogue New Suffolk Free Library in NY and moved back to Austin, TX to marry my sweetheart. Since then, I’ve been adjusting to my new life as a wife and step mom. I’ve also been writing reviews for School Library Journal and Booklist, working on the Publicity Committee for USBBY and, most recently, working as a call-in librarian at the beautiful Georgetown Public Library in Georgetown, TX.

2.  What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?

I think the first sentence above covers that pretty well! Making a big life change (or in my case, a handful of them at once) is frightening, but it’s also rewarding when it’s the right move.

3.  What motivates you?

I love igniting potential in others. I enjoy connecting people to resources that fuel their inner fires. When I’m able to do that I feel fired up, too!

4.  What are you proudest of having accomplished in your professional career?

I’m proud to have served on the Newbery Award and the Odyssey Award committees. I learned a lot about the importance of process serving on award committees, that there is no “right” book or recording for these awards, only a carefully developed process to which each committee member devotes herself.

5.  What book are you currently reading?

I’m reading a few things, but for the past few months I’ve been returning again and again to Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life. I finally bought my own copy. If you are not familiar with it, I urge you to check it out, especially if you want to write. That reminds me, don’t miss that book either: If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit by Brenda Ueland.

6.  Do you have any advice for a new children’s librarian?

Pay attention to the little things. In my experience it’s the little things that make the biggest difference in a person’s day. When BIG things happen, people usually band together and help one another, right? When little things happen to us, we are often on our own. A savvy librarian can make a difference with the smallest of gestures: sending a thank you note to the mayor for mentioning the library in her speech, forwarding a job announcement to a library school grad, or calling a parent for feedback on the library’s new tablets. We need partners to learn how we can do things better, so forging new relationships will benefit our communities in the long run. If a children’s librarian pays attention to the little things, he will soon have allies everywhere he turns!

7.  Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

I joined ALSC because my supervisor at the time, Doris Gebel, told me it was a good idea. Boy, was she right! So much of what I know about librarianship I’ve learned from ALSC members. I am also a member of YALSA and ACRL.

8.  What’s the best thing you’ve learned this year?

I think the most important lesson for me this year has to do with communication. I’ve learned that asking clarifying questions is the best way to have a productive dialogue. In the past I’ve made the mistake of responding before I’ve fully understood what the other person was communicating. But if I’m truly honest it often requires saying, “I don’t understand what you mean, please tell me more.

9.  Have you ever participated in a Flash Mob?

No, but I’ve performed with a bookcart drill team called the Bibliofiles. We made quite a splash in the City of Austin’s First Night Parade a few years back. As I was walking home in my costume a little boy shouted, “Look, Mom, it’s a LIBRARIAN!” I stopped and posed for a picture. That was a good moment.

10.  Are you lucky?

Here’s a secret: if you believe that everything that is happening to you right now is unfolding exactly as it’s supposed to, then you will always feel lucky, even when the chips are down.

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Thanks, Alison! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Courtney Jones.

1.  What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

Photo courtesy of ALSC office

I’m the new Awards Coordinator, and I’ve been with ALSC for 8 weeks. I work with the Book and Media awards program, scholarships and professional awards provided by ALSC, and coordinate the Newbery Caldecott Banquet, as well as the ALSC Awards Breakfast, amid other responsibilities.

2.  Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

This is not my first position with the ALA. I was an editorial assistant with Booklist Magazine’s books for youth section for almost six years. Working with ALSC Awards feels like a natural extension of my love for children’s literature, and recognizing standout children’s books.

3.  Are you looking forward to the ALA Annual Conference in Las Vegas?

The Newbery-Caldecott Banquet! This will be my very first. I’ve heard nothing but good things. I should know. I know a girl.

4.  If you could hold any job for one day, what would you do?

I think it’d be interesting to be on the writing staff of a TV show. But one of those really secretive ones, like Mad Men, or True Detective. There would be no spoilers for me since I would know all the plotlines before the show went to air.

5.  E-books or Print?

Print! There’s nothing like holding a book in your hands.

6.  Cats or Dogs?

Cat-like dogs. I had a Lhasa Apso named Ginger growing up. She was persnickety, cautious, and preferred to lay about the house instead of doing dog things, like play fetch. She was also the absolute best.

7.  Do you prefer rain storms or snow storms?

Rainstorms. Great sleeping weather. Plus no snow to shovel afterward!

8.  Which reality TV show would you most like to be on.

The Amazing Race! I love travel, and seeing the world would be an amazing (har, har) way to compete for a grand prize. I would choose one of my parents as my teammate, they both love that show as much as I do.

9.  Candy Crush or Crossword Puzzles?

Crossword puzzles! Especially on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

10.  What makes you laugh?

Terrible Dad jokes. For instance: There are two sausages in a pan. One sausage says to the other sausage, “Is it me or is it getting hot in here?” The other sausage says, “Ahhhh! A talking Sausage!”

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Thanks, Courtney! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Sarah West.

1.  What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

Photo courtesy of Sarah West

I am the Children’s Client Service Specialist at Pickering Public Library in Pickering, Ontario. A Client Service Specialist is responsible for an area of service for the four branches in Pickering’s Library system. So for me as the Children’s Client Service Specialist I am responsible for all things children’s (birth to age 12)…collections, programs, outreach, training staff on children’s related services etc. I have eight amazing children’s staff that I work with to develop services for our community. I graduated from Dalhousie University, Halifax Nova Scotia with my MLIS in 2005. I spent a year trying to find a job home in NS and ended up applying to Pickering in May 2006. I have now been working here for eight years as of the end of May!

2.  Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

I joined ALSC because it has so many wonderful things to offer its members. I have been a dedicated follower of the ALSC blog for years now. I get great ideas from it and really enjoy hearing about what others are doing. I do not belong to any other ALA groups but I do belong to OLA which is the Ontario Library Association. I am involved in a few OLA committees and really enjoy them.

3.  What motivates you?

My library community. I love working with kids and the people who care for them: teachers, parents, daycare workers etc. Helping them find the right book, helping them learn new things and seeing them grow from storytime kids to teens is amazing! I am so proud to be a part of that. They are what motivates me to do my best and to reach outside of my comfort zone.

4.  Cats or Dogs?

Cats! A couple years ago as I left work at 9 pm on a Wednesday night I found a lost kitty outside my library. It was December and just starting to get cold. The poor thing was all skin and bones. I have been smitten ever since.

5.  How do you keep up with library news?

Besides reading SLJ, Canadian Children’s Booknews, LibrarySparks and occasionally YALSA I have some blogs I follow: ALSC, the Annoyed Librarian, the Librarian in Black, and Stephen’s Lighthouse. I follow CLA, OLA and a number of libraries Canadian libraries on twitter. I am on the email listserv for Pubyac which is a great resource for children’s staff. And last year I started a children’s services Facebook group, where children’s staff can share ideas and resources.

6.  What do you collect?

Puppets! I use puppets in my weekly storytime and I do puppet shows a few times a year.  I am a bit of a puppet fiend actually! I have handmade (mostly by my Mom) as well as store bought. I think my favourite brand is Folkmanis. I am not sure how many puppets I have…likely over 30.

7.  Who is your role model? Why?

My parents. Corny right? But it is true. My parents are always reading. I don’t think I have ever known them not to have a book on the go. We were constantly at my local library branches (the Woodlawn and Alderney Gate Branches in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia) to attend programs (Summer Reading Club in particular!), pick out books etc. My Dad worked shift work at a bottled water company and often worked late hours but he always had time to tell me stories. He would base the stories he told me on whatever fantasy or sci-fi book he was currently reading. His love of a good story and of sharing that is something I try and emulate when talking to kids about books. Growing up, my Mom was my leader all through Brownies/Girl Guides/Pathfinders/Senior Branches. Her creativity and enthusiasm for working with kids has really influenced me. I still call her and ask her opinion when I am developing a new program.

8.  Favorite part of being a Children’s Librarian?

This is a very hard question because I love all parts of my job but I think being able to plan and do Summer Reading Club has to be my favourite!!! My experiences as a kid attending Summer Reading Club at my local library in Dartmouth, NS is why I became a Children’s Librarian. I love listening to the kids tell me about what they have been reading and showing me a picture of their favourite part of the book. I love organizing all the programs and events that we run in the summer. I love finding and ordering books to fit the theme and then seeing the displays of them quickly empty. Really I just love summer reading club!

9.  Which reality TV show would you most like to be on?

I adored shows like Labyrinth, the Dark Crystal, and the Muppets growing up. So I would totally want to be on Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Challenge! It is amazing how realistic the creature designers can make their puppets! Plus I am big into crafty stuff. We are doing these weekly crafternoons this summer at my library which I am totally excited about, particularly the week we do puppets.

10. What do you think libraries will look like fifty years from now?

Libraries have been around since ancient times. They have evolved and changed with the times because of community input. I am not sure what libraries will actually look like ten years from now let alone in fifty but I am confident that they will be around and that children’s librarians will still be needed. I think that libraries will continue to be places for parents/caregivers and children to go to for programs, information, and reading materials (no matter what format that evolves into). Children’s librarians will be needed to discover and implement library services that our communities need and want. No matter how automated and technology focused the world becomes people still need to go out and interact with other people. It is the way humans work, we crave places to socialize with others. As long as we continue to give our community a voice in what services we provide we will continue to stay relevant. Also I am sure in fifty years there will be robots…preferably with the ability to clean up after programs. Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a robot that could actually fully clean up after a craft that involved glitter?

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Thanks, Sarah! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Meagan Albright. 

1.  What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?

Courtesy photo from Meagan Albright

I’m a Youth Services Librarian at the Alvin Sherman Library, Research and Information Technology Center at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. My library is joint-use, it serves the residents of Broward County and the students, faculty and staff at NSU; I’ve been here for 7 years.

2.  Why did you join ALSC?

At my very first ALA conference (New Orleans, 2006) I kind of crashed the Early Childhood Programs and Services table at the ALSC All Committee Meeting. They were so friendly in inviting me to join their discussion, so when they needed someone to take notes on the program they were presenting I promptly volunteered, and I’ve been saying yes to every opportunity that’s been offered to me to serve ALSC ever since.

3.  When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A super hero! I read a lot of comics and was a huge fan of the X-Men animated series. Sadly, my only superpower so far is the ability to read really fast.

4.  E-books or Print?

Both, as often as possible. My rule for purses is that they must be large enough to hold both my iPad and a paperback book so that I’m never caught without something to read.

5.  Bonfire or Campfire?

Anything that you can make s’mores over is fine by me! I’m a former Girl Scout, and therefore in charge of managing the fire pit at our Teen Volunteer After Hours Party at the library. Some of the teens have never had real s’mores!

6.  Do you have a “guilty pleasure” TV show?

I know some people are over the “modern fairytales with a twist” trend, but Once Upon a Time, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, Grimm, and the upcoming Queen of Everything are all on my must-watch list.

7.  How many books do you own?

I’m always lending out, giving away, and acquiring more books, so it’s nearly impossible to know the total. Let’s just say the bookshelves at home are always full!

8.  Favorite part of being a Children’s Librarian?

Getting paid in high-fives and hugs from the storytime crowd.

9.  Candyland or Chess?

I would love to play an edible version of Candyland! Sour Patch Kid gamepieces, a Licorice Castle made of Twizzlers, home-baked Mama Gingersnap  and an ooey, gooey, delicious Molasses Swamp.

10.  What do you love about your work?

Finding new favorite books (for myself and for my patrons),  connecting with passionate, dedicated librarians, and seeing the positive impact that libraries have on children and families every day.

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Thanks, Meagan! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature! (Meagan can be reached at [email protected].)

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to [email protected]; we’ll see what we can do.