My Best Day as a Children's Librarian

I was recently asked, "If there were absolutely no budget constraints, no staffing issues and anything was possible, what would your best day as a children’s librarian would look like?"

Here's my answer:

I’d spend my first hour and a half preparing for and providing the best story time of my life. Let’s make it outside the library on a beautiful, sunny day to a large crowd of kids and adults who each go on to tell their friends and neighbors how awesome the library is. I would have those big screen set up on either side of me projecting what I’m doing to the people in the back like at rock concerts. I’d have a live band for the songs. I’d lead everyone in joyful renditions of “Skinnamarink” and “Silly Dance Contest.” Afterwards, I’d be able to give every family who wanted one a free copy of the books I’d read. I wouldn’t have to clean up afterwards. I’d spend the time talking to people who had questions and wanted book recommendations. Every single book I recommended would be checked in and on the shelf.

Later that day, I would speak to a big group of new moms and dads about the importance of early literacy. They would’ve been lured to the library by the promise of free ice cream and babysitting (it would've been advertised on radio, magazines, Internet, and television). We’d read stories and sing songs and talk about how to get their kids ready to read. They would all ask great questions and be super pumped up about early literacy when they left. Right after my session, a Spanish-speaking colleague would be hosting the same program in Spanish. And then Russian. And then Chinese. All the sessions would be recorded, professionally edited, and posted online for people who couldn't attend.

After school lets out I’d host a Readers’ Theatre program for tweens. These guys would come read plays and then we’d record them and release them as podcasts (the library would pay the copyright holder for permissions). Today the kids would’ve written and performed their own play and it would be funny and touching. It would be about the impact the library has made in their lives.

In the evening, I would be on the reference desk and have nothing but meaningful, productive interactions with patrons who ask interesting questions. I’d be able to help every single person who came up to the desk and they’d all thank me kindly afterward. One of them would later turn out to be a billionaire who was so impressed that he'd decide to donate a massive amount of money to the library and we could afford to do it all again tomorrow.