Ever wonder what the typical day in the life of a library employee is like? Ms. Heather has been the Youth Program Coordinator at Salina Public Library for over 5 years and she’s giving us an inside look at what her busy days at SPL look like!
Morning at SPL
After dropping her kiddos off at school, Heather heads straight to SPL, ready to make waves!
Nestled in the Youth Services workroom, Heather, armed with her trusty Stanley to fuel her creativity, kicks off her day by checking her email and the calendar. It’s a day filled with exciting programs!
After replying to a few emails, it’s already time for Heather to prep for her first program of the day: Brainy Babies! By the time she finishes setting up the Prescott room, booting up the technology, and gathering all her story time essentials, it’s time to welcome all the children and their caregivers. Brainy Babies is tailored specifically for parents and their babies up to 2 years old. Heather uses her lively spirit and learning tools to foster positive relationships between caregivers and children. As always, the session ends with shared hugs and a special goodbye to Yellow Duck, everyone’s favorite Brainy Babies pal.
With just a 15-minute gap between programs, Heather quickly prepares for Preschool Storytime. This 30-minute program is filled with dancing, fingerplays, and two special stories. When the program begins, Heather transforms into the ultimate storyteller extraordinaire. With voices that rival Disney characters, and songs that you can’t help but sing along to, she brings books to life in ways you never thought possible. From giggles to gasps, her storytime sessions open up the world of other people and places.
After each program, Heather rolls up her sleeves and transforms into the cleanup crew, tidying up the room and ensuring it’s ready for the next library adventure. From clearing away craft supplies to refreshing the space, she leaves no trace of the previous excitement – except the lingering smiles on everyone’s faces.
In the moments between programs, Heather is engaging with patrons and guiding little library lovers through new galaxies. Many parents hang back after programs, sharing their parenting stories with Heather, who takes mental notes on how the library can better serve them.
Heather then takes a well-deserved break to recharge for the afternoon ahead.
Midday at SPL
Behind every youth program at SPL lies Heather’s meticulous preparation. She’s not just a programmer; she’s an educator, who crafts interactive activities and captivating story times that blend learning goals with pure fun! Heather spends time preparing LEGO for the LEGO club tomorrow, organizing and labeling craft kits, and reviewing the needs for the rest of the week’s programs.
Following lunch, Heather’s role shifts to roving. Roving is a task shared by all SPL staff, which involves walking throughout the library and offering a friendly hand beyond our public desks by providing an extra level of customer service and assisting patrons as they need. Today, Heather helps a patron access the Salina Public Library app on their smartphone to search for a title they want to put on hold.
Heather spends much of her time researching new and unique ways to spark a lifelong love of learning among children. When it comes to creating, Heather’s mind knows no bounds. Who knew a toilet paper roll could become a spaceship? Ms. Heather did! Even though it’s only April, Heather is already planning months ahead for the Fall season of programming at SPL, incorporating themes like back to school, Halloween, and all things autumn.
For a change of pace, Heather spends some time out in the stacks in the Youth Services department, shelf reading. Shelf reading is the process of verifying that books are in the correct location and order, ensuring SPL patrons and staff can find books quickly and easily within our extensive collection of hundreds of thousands of books.
Another program is on the horizon! Adventures in Bookland is a book club for 2nd-4th grade-level readers who discuss a new book each month and participate in fun activities and challenges themed around each title. This month, the book was about Benjamin Franklin. Heather has created a STEM-focused activity where kids will create circuits using aluminum foil, batteries, and small light bulbs. As the circuits light up, so do the children’s joy of learning!
Wrapping Up the Day
As Adventures in Bookland comes to a close and Heather cleans up once more, the day is winding down.
Heather wraps up her day by reviewing the calendar for tomorrow. Before clocking out, she bids farewell to the parents and kiddos still playing in the Imagination Station, all of whom are excited to see her again soon. Outside the library, the hustle and bustle continues as Heather dives into more activities with her two kiddos, participating in volleyball and baseball practice. Finally, it’s time for a little relaxation before another day filled with library buzz.
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Let’s give a standing ovation to Heather and all the amazing library workers who pour their hearts and souls into creating spaces where curiosity thrives! Today, on National Library Workers Day, Heather is just one example of the passion and dedication that all SPL staff share.
To support staff like Heather and the incredible programs she creates, give to SPL at salinapubliclibrary.org/give. Together, let’s continue building a brighter future, one story at a time.
About The Author: allysonwalker
Allyson is the Head of Fundraising and Development at Salina Public Library. Originally from the neighboring community of Lindsborg, she now calls Salina home. After earning her B.A. in Business Administration with a marketing emphasis from Emporia State University she began her career in nonprofits. When she’s not at SPL, you can find Allyson wandering the aisles of local thrift and antique stores, caring for her houseplants, or exploring the outdoors with her husband and their two dogs. You can reach Allyson at giving@salinapublic.org.
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