Libraries and Literacy

When I was a kid, my mother brought my sisters and I to the library where we would fill a laundry basket full of books. My sister and I were worried about running out of books before we went back, so we made sure that we could read each other’s books. Since then, I have become a lover of books and libraries.

I never considered working in a library until a couple of years ago, when I was getting ready to begin my phd dissertation. I contemplated what jobs I might get when I graduated–since there were hardly any jobs for History Phds in general, let alone in my subject area. There were some positions as a librarian, and since I enjoy research and helping people, I thought that might be the way to go. As I researched the librarian profession, I found out that an MLIS was the degree required, not a PhD. Originally, I thought to become an academic librarian with two master’s degrees, but I wanted to get experience in a library. This led me to apply for entry level library positions.

Once I started working in the public library, I discovered that I LOVED it, particularly working with children, teens, and seniors. One of my very favorite things is to share books with people, help them find something that interests them, and communicate my love of books and the library. To me, libraries are full of discoveries–about ourselves, our world, and each other–and I get to be a part of that!

Things I love:

• Libraries
• Learning
• Reading (check out my books at http://www.goodreads.com/profile/sarcare )
• Picture Books
• My fish (particularly Louie!)
• Cooking
• Traveling
• Working with Children
• Sharing things I love!