Because of a Public Library...

This idea is making the rounds on Twitter, but I have SO many thoughts, that I wanted to write up a blog post instead.

Castleton Free Library - my hometown library where everything started for me 

So...because of a public library I

1. Took armfuls of books home in middle school and high school, especially in the summer. I was always a reader and the library was right across the street from my house.

2. Got my first job that I loved thanks to the library and a grant. I worked there for four summers learning so much about libraries.

3. I decided to go to graduate school and get my MLS

4. While in graduate school, I often went to the library near my apartment. I checked out the teen section and found a book called The Princess Diaries - after reading it, I decided to become a YA Librarian

5. I got my first job in a library in Rhode Island as the first YA Librarian there

6. I read tons of books - more so than I ever did in a year.

7. I was on a committee for the Rhode Island Teen Book Award - where I read outside of my comfort zone and talked passionately about the books I loved and hated with other librarians.

8. I moved libraries in my job to the brand new library in my town again as the first YA Librarian where I collaborated with co-workers in programs and presentations

9. I started this blog and have been blogging for over 5 years - because of it, I've been lots of readers, librarians, authors, and publishers. We talked about - books of course.

10. I read over 300 books a year across ages and genres. If I had to buy those books, it wouldn't be nearly as much.