Ackmiral_Adbar

http://www.reddit.com/user/Ackmiral_Adbar

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Ackmiral_Adbar316 karma

Thanks for sharing! I am a Youth Services Librarian. My question: How can someone in my position help someone in your position?

Ackmiral_Adbar33 karma

I came here to ask this same question. Thanks for the answer!

Ackmiral_Adbar2 karma

Absolutely! My position was created (at my library) about 3 years ago. I focus on youth ages 11-18.

About 5 years ago, the local Youth Center closed when the building it was in was sold to a developer. There was a huge hole in the community and kids flooded the library. Unfortunately, there was no structure and the staff just ended up calling the police if they couldn't manage a situation. (for dumb things like "You can't eat your chips in here" and serious things like "you can't bring a gun in here") I was hired to provide programming for teens (and if we are being honest, to handle the behavior problems so the library didn't have to keep calling the police.)

My first year was very rough. There were fights, drug deals, sexual harassment, straight up sex, and even one incident with a gun. Fortunately, no one was hurt. Year 2 was going awesome! I had regular after school programming Monday-Thursday and some awesome Summer stuff. Of course, COVID hit and we closed down for a while. This summer we are offering some limited programming but I am hoping to start up full programming again in the fall.

How did I get into this? That's a good question. I do not have a Masters Degree in library science, my background is in education and IT. I saw the job listing in the local paper and applied thinking I wouldn't have a chance. Part of the interview was to bring some programming ideas and I came with half a notebook full! Many of the things I talked about that day have been implemented! (Teen Story Time, Comic Book Convention, Hip Hop Demo, etc...) This is literally my dream job!

Ackmiral_Adbar1 karma

Hi Mr. Burton. I am a 42 year old Youth Services Librarian, I am only here because of Reading Rainbow. Thank you for all you do for literacy! I love your podcast, I've heard so many amazing stories on it. My question for you: What can we take your word for?