Librians

[Gwen Treu <gmeyer@UNXHOST.WSALEM.K12.WI.US>]

First, Happy Librarian's Day to all of you awesome professionals!
Secondly, I want to count my blessings and vent my problems.  I have an
incredibly supportive principal who feels that my position is as
important as his.  He 'understands' my frustrations and depressions
regarding not being seen as a professional.  He values the time I put
into committee meetings, trying to work with staff, creating fun
activities and learning experiences for students and all the extras I
put into my job with little, if any, recognition.  He is a blessing.
Which leads into my frustrations--I,  like many of you, am beginning to
wake up and wonder why I am even trying to better myself as a
professional.  I see so many instances where librarians are being
replaced by aids or parents or classroom teachers:  I am practically on
my knees begging staff members to let me work with them (heck, I'd
celebrate if they would mention the library in their classroom practices
on occassion).  What do I do all day?
I buy professional books and magazines that they request and never check
out.    I have about 4 devotees on the staff--3 more than 5 years
ago--and then--On the way to work, I see kids crossing the street to
school and tears well in my eyes as I remember why I am here--Each day
my life is bettered because of these kids, who all belong to me,  who
nearly every day come in just to say "Hi" or to share that book I
recommended, or to share or recommend a book to me, or to cry on my
shoulder, or to laugh with me, or just to be near me and this library
I've poured my heart and soul into for THEM. and I realize I have
everything I wanted in my job--sharing what is important to
me--learning,loving,caring--I am not in this for the money (though I
know we deserve much more), or the adult recognition (though I want very
much to share what I know  to help them out as well), or because the
state says this is the way I should do this (I have a few suggestions
for them too--why aren't they required to listen to me?)...I'm in this
because someone took me into a different world as a child--the world of
learning, of books, of wonder --and made me feel safe and valued  and I
want give it back to everyone. Not everyone wants what I have to
offer--that's a choice they have a right to ignore--for better or worse.

Thanks for letting me vent and refresh--You are important and valued!
Someone felt as I do--Someone created a "Librarian's Day"  for you.
You DO touch lives!!

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