Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links, so if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission.
This collage shows my first interview in 8 years, my official employee badge and my first day outfit.
Returning to Work: A Perfect Fit for My Family
I originally planned to go back to work part-time when my youngest son started kindergarten (I had quit working when my oldest son was born). He started school in the Fall of 2020, and since things were still a little crazy from Covid, I decided to wait until the following year to look for work.
I stalked the school system job board daily, as working in the schools seemed like the best fit for me and my family. Finally, a part-time position opened at my sons’ school. I applied, and within a few days, I received a call to interview with the school librarian. We set up the interview, and I was offered the position within short order. I was so excited!
What It’s Like Working in a School Library
As someone who loves reading, I was happy to be in the school library. In my position, I helped kids check out their books, organized and re-shelved books, fixed books with torn pages or spine issues and read to kindergartners.
I learned a few important lessons in my time at the school library:
- Picking the right books for kindergartners is essential—keeping their attention is a challenge, and choosing engaging stories makes all the difference.
- The school uses a special clapping technique to quiet students, which I mastered quickly!
- Most importantly, there is a book for every child to become a reader—you just need patience and persistence to help them find it. (See my post on this topic – The Story of a Reluctant Reader and How Dog Man Changed Everything)
Growing Confidence and Building Connections
I also grew more confident in making book suggestions to kids after asking a few questions about their interests. I was able to use my knowledge from my own boys’ reading interests to encourage students to read books I thought they might enjoy. Conversely, students introduced me to new books that I was able to share with my boys.
Final Thoughts
It was a great opportunity working in the library at my sons’ school. I loved seeing my sons on their library rotations. I also loved being a small part in helping children discover the joy of reading.
Leave a Reply