My first visit to Washington, D.C. in the summer of 2018, where I spent hours in the Library of Congress – and made sure to get a reading card!
What I've accomplished in libraries so far:
To see what I've accomplished towards my Master's in Library and Information Studies, check out the tabs under librarianship in the navigation!
How I'm working in libraries now:
In June 2019, I began working as a children's and teen librarian at a small, rural library system. I'm really enjoying getting to know the community I serve. In my first year, I increased summer reading participation by 84 percent within the children's services department and managed to secure my first grant, a small but very helpful $2,500 to update my history and geography collection. Since 2019, I've been so fortunate to achieve the following highlights:
Secured $20,000+ in grant funding to update and expand library collections, furniture, and sensory items for neurodivergent patrons.
Redesigned my library's website to improve user experience. Check it out at lowndeslibrary.com.
Served in various capacities within the Mississippi Library Association, including current positions as the association's Book Review Editor for its journal, Mississippi Libraries, and as the National Library Week Committee Chair.
Served on the board of the Magnolia Book Award, Mississippi's book award dedicated to children's literature, including currently as Secretary.
Built relationships within my community to develop cohesive partnerships that are mutually beneficial, including working with the local university, school systems, and arts council for expansion of library services.
Provided library outreach to hundreds of students in local schools, day cares, and head starts to inspire a love for reading.
Expanded my library's teen area to incorporate maker space elements, including a cutting machine, 3D printer, video making equipment, furniture and materials for collaboration, and more.
Hosted and processed my library's podcast during the 2020-2021 year to reach patrons where they were while the COVID-19 shelter-in-place laws were mandated.
Advocated for library usage and support with state and local lawmakers by serving as a committee member of the Mayor's Early Childhood Education committee and by visiting the state capitol during library legislative days in Jackson, MS.
Expanded digital reading challenge offerings with the incorporation of mobile reading tracker apps for my library and increased reading challenge engagements throughout the year by hosting a winter reading challenge and other themed challenges as well as a summer challenge.
Incorporated more sensory and flexible seating options within my library's children and teen areas to include whiteboard tables, wobble stools, cushions, couches, mobile desks, and more.
Focused on expanding my library's graphic novel and manga collections for diversity and inclusion, focusing on representations of people of color in graphic novels and manga as well as those with disabilities.
Previously, I worked as a Graduate Assistant for the UNCG Department of Library and Information Studies. I also worked in libraries in these three areas: