Hi, I work at the Acton Memorial Library in Massachusetts, but also work at the Wayland and Needham libraries too, doing a lot of programming. I am a children’s librarian.
I love process art and want to do more, mainly working with children ages 3 and up.
Also like using art/creation/invention in programs. And want to learn more about
creating these kinds of programs for children.
My dream for the future of libraries, is creative stimulating environments, with books, art, science, history, music activities and programming.
My favorite breakfast food, (though not on work days) is an omelette filled with spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes and cheese!
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Good morning. I am Laura Bryant and I am a public school librarian for Northern Potter School District in north central PA. I love professional development and love to stay up to date with current trends. In addition to being our only district librarian, I implement computer science and STEM in my library programs. I love to work with children and am now branching out to teens and young adults. I hope to always work with our youth and with youth programing. Oh, I love eggs and bacon. Thank you for allowing me to participate in this awesome public library forum, even though I am a school librarian.
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- What library do you work at?
- What motivated you to join this community?
- What is a dream you have for the future of libraries?
- What is your favorite breakfast food?
I am a Public Service Specialist where I am currently employed. Originally, I was in a part time position because the hours worked well with my schooling and my two other jobs I had at the time. After graduating with my BA, I decided to continue with the library when I got accepted into the full time role. My BA is in criminal justice, so big difference. I enjoy what I do, so I am currently working towards my MLIS with a certification to become a media specialist. I am hoping to be able to work within an elementary school where I can reach as many kids as possible within an early age. So fingers crossed!
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Hi, My name is Suzette. I am the Program Services Coordinator at Craft Memorial Library in Bluefield, WV.
I joined this community for more programing ideas and to see ways I can expand our STEAM offerings.
I would like to see more funding for libraries and for them to become more central to communities.
Mom’s gravy and biscuits with sausage would be my favorite. Usually it is 1/2 a bagel on the run though.
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Hi all!
My name is Justin and I’m a reference/tech librarian at Memorial Hall Library in Andover, MA. I’m also one of the staff members who coordinates our library Makerspace. I joined this community in order to better learn how to create programming for our makerspace that centers the intersection between tech/art/creativity. 
My dream for the future of libraries would involve free, equitable access, no fines, robust funding, the ability for all staff to earn a decent living, educational opportunities for the public, and a deep focus on social and racial justice and equality.
My favorite breakfast food at the moment is a green smoothy type thing . Or toast. 
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I am a Branch Manager for the DeKalb County Public Library in Georgia, USA.
There’s a class I’m interested in, not sure if everyone else here is taking the class, PLIX Facilitating Creative Learning.
We need children’s libraries; paralleling children’s museums. I want a lab area where people under the age of 19 can do experiments in all the sciences on one floor. The top floor needs to have a garden with a retractable roof for stargazing. An art/music room with ALL the supplies and a tech room are absolutely necessary. The cafeteria will have free, good food all day long. Kids can touch everything, no question is left unanswered and minds are encouraged to explore. Parents are given classes on how to parent their child and given all the tools needed to give the kids the best start possible. Yeah, I need to win the lotto.
Coffee is a necessary component to life, so that and what ever else for breakfast is good.
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Hi, Caitlin here.
I work at the Bushnell-Sage Library in Sheffield, MA. I’m technically the Children’s Program Coordinator, not a librarian educationally speaking.
Thanks to all the responses that helped jog my memory on why I joined! Lol! Covid brain, am I right? I want to learn ways to make STEAM more integrated into our programming. Draw in some teens if possible.
The future of libraries, hmm… haven’t given it much thought. Just to keep them open and accessible to all, and I mean all people. Back to the future a bit, I’d really be into bringing books to people on horse back. We no longer have a book mobile, but a book horse would be awesome!
Oh boy, french toast is a treat, but I love breakfast so it’s all my favorite.
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Hi there!
I am Stacy and I am the youth services librarian at the Laurel Public Library in Laurel, Delaware.
I joined because I love learning about new things for the library!
My perfect dream for the library is connecting people to their interests and have a library that serves as a community hub.
My favorite breakfast food is hands-down a sausage, egg and cheese croissant, hashbrown and coffee!
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Hi! I’m Cathy. I work at the Glen Ellyn Public Library (suburban Chicago) where as soon as I started the K-2 STEAM Club was dumped in my lap. I have no background in or aptitude for STEAM at all, so I take advantage of all the help I can get.
My dream is to be able to quickly respond to trends and patron demand without having to plan six months out because of marketing deadlines.
Breakfast is my favorite meal: oatmeal, omelets, French toast, waffles pancakes, fruit, bacon, sausage, hash browns, biscuits and gravy. Is there anything about breakfast that isn’t delicious? And breakfast for dinner is an indulgence I love.
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Hello-
I work in the Caltech Library, mainly with the IT department, but have been part of the makerspace team since it launched about six years ago.
PLIX was spoken of fondly in a recent Nation of Makers meeting, and it was suggested that even those not currently in public libraries would be welcome (and it certainly looks that way).
While not the exact target audience this is geared for, I hope to bring some of these ideas into our makerspace and provide our patrons with opportunities for creative play.
I do not (and should not) have them as often I used to, but a breakfast burrito with hot sauce sounds like a good idea just about any morning.
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Hi,
I work in the Nampa Public Library in Youth Services. We are starting two Maker Spaces-- one for youth and one for teens and adults. I am hoping to encourage our patrons to be creative and inspired while connecting with others.
My dream is for all in the community to find valuable resources, services, and connections in their (well-funded) local library.
My favorite breakfast food is french toast with either jam or syrup, but I usually eat a yogurt or a cheese stick in the morning.
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Hello all,
I am Sherice White and I am a children’s librarian for the New York Public Library. My branch is Clason’s Point in the Bronx. For now I am helping out at West Farms because my branch has been closed since March 2020.
I joined this community to stretch my wings, get out of my comfort zone, and my fellow colleague Allie Affinito attended this training and did a banging activity that involved an empty potato chip bag. I saw that and realized that I so wanted in on the action. I am also a STEAM enthusiast who wants to see what else I can do to keep the interest going in children and teens.
My dream for the libraries is NOT to involve a police presence. There MUST be another outlet to reach out to in case of an incident. Therefore, I fully believe that a local government agency should be an ally to help us deal with tough situations.
If my cousin makes guacamole, I will have it on a slice of toast with a coffee on the side. That is the only way I eat guac- it has to be homemade and made by my cousin.
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Hello Ms. Cathy
Like you, I fell into children’s programming when I was promoted as a information assistant at a library in the Bronx in 2009. I relied on my nieces, nephews, youtube, PBS.org and books to get my STEAM ideas. I wish you the best in your new endeavor. As for your breakfast choices I am with you except for eggs. However, breakfast for dinner-- Yes ma’am.
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Hello my fellow spirit animal in the breakfast realm!
I share the same dream with you- I wanted to combine the teens and the children into a youth space when I was working at Hunts Point Library in the Bronx, but I was whisked away to help out at Clason’s Point. Thanks to the pandemic, I was able to learn new stuff through free webinars. I too dig a sausage and cheese myself. Especially if it’s on a croissant, a bagel or an English muffin. However, since we’ve been home I’ve lightened up to a guacamole spread on toast. My cousin makes the guac; it’s to die for.
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Howdy! I’m Clara and work for the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System in Columbus, MS. In public library programming, creativity is the name of the game. I’m here to draw and share inspiration with my team and community. Innovation is that “yum yum sauce” that makes the work irresistible and appealing to all. Sometimes in MS, we are in short supply.
I’ve developed deep crushes on larger library systems because they seem to work like water parks. A place where folks come in and sample adventure. Yes, heights are scary, climbing stairs isn’t super fun and not everyone knows how to swim, yet these systems are attractive and accessible to all. That’s what I hope to build in my community.
My favorite thing to eat for breakfast are burritos. You can switch up the ingredients every time. lol
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guac is the best when made correctly! I too have taken my share of free webinars! Thanks for being my foodie friend 
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Hello I’m Kathy.
-I’m a law librarian and new patron at the Milton Public Library in Milton, GA.
-I was informed of this community by a librarian at Milton to enhance my new role of online ESL teacher as well as online literacy facilitator.
-My dream for the future of libraries is that they become places where the community can be those that inform and enlighten while the librarians learn from the community.
-My favorite breakfast is avocado toast, sliced orange and coffee
I’m happy to be here!!!
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I’m the Youth Services Coordinator for the McPherson Public Library in McPherson Kansas. I saw this come through a listserv and it seemed like the perfect fit while we are in a restructuring phase with our youth programming. I dream that the future of libraries is that all of them are seen as community hub where all are welcome. My favorite breakfast food is any type of pastry.
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Hello everyone! My name is Megan Aarant Jackson and I am the Teen Services Coordinator for the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries in Columbus, GA. I was motivated to join this community because I want to build my STEAM program facilitation skills. I’m comfortable with book clubs and creative artsy programs, but STEAM stuff feels intimidating and I’m afraid to make it feel too much like school.
I can’t think of a dream I have for the future of libraries other than I always want to continue working in them and make them safe havens and cool hang out spots for youth. As for breakfast foods I have to go with French Toast Casserole (I make a sinfully delicious vanilla spice eggnog version of this around the holidays) when I wanna be decadent and Dutch baby when I want something quick but sweet. I love to cook!
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Hello I’m Susan Ford and I work as a Children’s Services Specialist at the Fountaindale Public Library in Bolingbrook, IL, USA.
I’m interested in integrating STEAM into our children’s programs. We have tried a few programs that only feature one of the STEAM topics at a time, but I would like to be able to have a full STEAM program.
I would love more people to see the huge benefit of a well supplied and funded community library.
I love skillets with my eggs over easy! And lots of crispy bacon.
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