Saturday, July 3, 2010

Hi, my name is Kary, and I am a bibliophile

I have been a bookworm for as long as I can remember. Some of my fondest childhood memories involve my visits to the local libraries. Every time I entered one, I would breathe in the scent and I always felt at peace. All those books organized so neatly on shelves, containing thousands of stories just waiting to be read...yes, I'm a nerd - but I am proud of it, lol! I spent 2 joyous summers as a teen volunteer at a library - and I LOVED it! One year I even got to meet and present an award to author Madeline L'Engle. I still have my signed copy of A Wrinkle in Time.

I have wanted to be a librarian ever since I knew what one was. But, as I grew older, I realized that libraries are not where the bucks are, and so I tried to find other passions with which I could find a career. Well, I have many interests - and I am totally enjoying studying psychology. But, I have decided that the library is where my heart is, and big bucks or not, I am going to pursue a degree in library science - and Billy totally supports me in this. What you may not know is that there is no bachelor's degree in library science, at least not around here. And to be a librarian - not just a library employee, but an actual librarian - you need a master's degree! So, I will get my bachelor's degree in human and family sciences, with a minor of psychology, and then I will pursue a master's of library science degree. I have looked at the books for these classes at NSU, and I get so excited - because it is SO me!

Specifically, I want to be a children's librarian. I love passing my love of literature onto my kids, and seeing them excited about books.

I have been reading more and more children's literature lately, mostly to "prepare" myself for the future, and to keep up with what my kids are reading about. But, in the process, I have decided that a lot of the best written works are actually "children's" books. Truly. I do read "adult" novels, and I enjoy a lot of them, but honestly, I think I prefer "juvenile" and "young adult" fiction. For one thing, you do not see as much bad language and sexual content in books for this age group (although it is increasing in teen fiction). Sometimes, that just ruins a book for me.

It seems this is catching on. After all, the Twilight saga and The Hunger Games trilogy are actually young adult fiction, and they have become favorites from late elementary age to adults.

So, I guess my point is - don't pass over the children's section of the bookstore or library. Your new favorites might just be waiting to be discovered there!

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