18 Things I've Learned About Libraries

And why I love them so much

Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

In August, I hit 18 years of library employment. At first, I thought that number couldn't be correct, but even though I'm terrible at math, it is. Throughout my years in the library, I've been blessed with many wonderful coworkers and experiences. I've learned so much thanks to the libraries I've visited and worked for, and today, I'm sharing 18 bits of knowledge I've gained along the way.

1. Books are one piece of a large puzzle.

I imagine that books are the first thing people think about when they think of libraries, which makes sense. Books are the foundation of the library system, but modern libraries offer much more. My local library districts have the following items available for checkout:

• museum passes

• instruments

• telescopes

• pickleball sets

• birdwatching kits

• hot glue guns

• microphones

• virtual reality kits

• Instant Pots

• an inflatable movie screen

• laptops

• cameras

The books are great; as a library patron, that's what I care about most. But there is so much great stuff to explore alongside the newest books.

2. Libraries aren’t always quiet.

Many libraries have quiet study rooms, but the actual library space isn't the super quiet place you might assume. Libraries host storytimes, school tours, and class visits. They can be extremely busy, especially on the weekend. Little ones might run to the picture book section, screaming excitedly about princess or dinosaur books. Library staffers aren't there to shush patrons but to meet people where they are and help them with whatever brought them through the doors.

3. You must discard books to make room for a relevant, high-interest collection.

Discarding books (or weeding, as it's known in libraries) can be controversial. Some might think that libraries are responsible for keeping each book on the shelf until it falls apart. Others may see their local public library as an archive where they can access a Time magazine from 1993 if they want. And while some libraries specialize in archival collections, the library two blocks from your house or inside your high school probably doesn't. Most public libraries are popular collection libraries, meaning the goal is to have a collection of current, relevant, and high-interest titles. Books that are tattered, obsolete, or outdated have to go to make room for the stuff that's actually circulating. The good stuff gets lost on the shelves if it’s surrounded by titles no one is interested in anymore.

4. "A truly great library contains something in it to offend everyone."

You've probably heard that quote before. I've seen it attributed to librarian Jo Goodwin. At the public library where I used to work, books about Wicca and astrology were across the aisle from the Bibles and books on Christian living. That's how it should be. Libraries are there to serve everyone, regardless of their viewpoints. This message must be shared more than ever, thanks to increased book bans and challenges. 

5. The freedom to read should never be taken for granted.

Speaking of bans and challenges, please remember that your freedom to read should never be taken for granted. We have a world of information and entertainment available because of libraries, and that access isn't guaranteed. Be mindful of what's happening in your community and support your public and academic library employees. Encourage them in their efforts to provide equity to their communities. Vote in favor of the library when you can. Speak up and remind your friends and neighbors that intellectual freedom is vital to a flourishing society.

6. Library staff get excited when you check out the book we put on display.

Whether we face out a book on a shelf or build an elaborate display, library staff love it when you take a book we've set out. I love showcasing my favorite titles, books that are getting a lot of buzz, or coming up with display ideas that will highlight great books that might be forgotten. I've been doing this type of work for a long time, and I still get just as jazzed when someone borrows a book because of a display I made. It's even better when they return to tell me how much they loved it.

7. Not every library employee is a librarian. 

Most staff you meet in a library aren't librarians. The librarian role is traditionally given to those with a Master's in Library Science degree. Public libraries are full of staff doing different kinds of jobs. I was a page for many years, and I shelved books, pulled holds, and prepared the building for opening and closing. There are circulation staff who check books in and out, answer phone calls, or help with fines. Another department is outreach, full of people who take books to retirement centers or daycares. Other staffers include reference help, IT, and those in processing who label and cover items before they can be borrowed. Some large libraries have social workers on staff to help those struggling with addiction, homelessness, or mental health issues. Volunteers are also essential to a fully functioning library. They're often responsible for book sales and donate funds to purchase library materials or furniture. Librarians are crucial, but running a flourishing library is a team effort.

8. The cleaning crew is just as important as the library director.

Since I'm talking about staff, I want to point out the unseen staffers who are just as important as the ones with a private office and six-figure salary, and that’s the cleaning crew. With the high number of people who can be in and out of a library throughout the day, the cleaning staff is essential for a safe, welcoming, and hygienic space. An excellent janitorial crew will make everyone's time in the library much better and more enjoyable. 

9. Some people will stay in their local library every hour it's open.

When I worked for a public library, I saw patrons waiting outside for the doors to open and leaving one minute before they shut for the night. In the school libraries I'm in now, I have students who are there as soon as possible and stay as late as they're allowed. Yesterday, a student asked me what time I left for the day and begged me to let him stay as late as possible. Libraries might be someone's only safe place, the only home they have where they feel welcome and able to relax. 

10. A library can save you a lot of money.

I've heard that reading books and buying books are two separate hobbies. I participate in both pursuits, and the latter can get expensive quickly. A new hardcover might cost $30.00 at Barnes and Noble. Even teen paperbacks are creeping up there, with costs around $15 apiece now. I love thrifting for cheap used books, but even that can get pricey. Thankfully, I never have to worry about running out of reading material. My budget might be $0, but I know a book is just a drive or click away. You'll save even more money if you take advantage of the options in point #1. While I won’t be checking out a pickleball set anytime soon, you might!

11. Competition is fierce for library jobs.

Unfortunately, there are many more applicants for library jobs than open positions. A parent once asked me what their kid could do to get started working for a library, and I told them to sign up as a volunteer. Getting your foot in the door any way you can is important if you envision a library career. You might get lucky and get a job immediately, or you may have to apply over and over (and over) again before you get hired or are able to move up.

12. The library exists outside of the building that holds the collection.

Thanks to apps like Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, and databases such as ProQuest or eLibrary, the library exists anywhere there's a Wi-Fi connection. I can download an audiobook to my phone in seconds or borrow a graphic novel to read on my iPad at 2:30 a.m. if I can't sleep. My Kindle is one of my best friends (sorry to my human friends, who are also great). I hardly ever buy ebooks, but I borrow them from Libby all the time. I love wandering through the stacks of a library, but I also love browsing Hoopla from my couch. Recently, I’ve enjoyed reading issues of the New Yorker for free thanks to my library’s online subscription. Not having to put on real pants is always a win.

13. Unhoused library patrons are not the problem you might think they are.

Someone recently commented to me about the problem unhoused patrons must have been when I worked for a public library. I quickly pointed out that unhoused patrons were no more problematic than anyone else. Every patron must adhere to a library's code of conduct, regardless of their status. I worked for a mid-sized library, so I'm sure larger, more urban branches experience different problems than I have ever encountered. But regardless of a library's location or size, a wealthy woman having a bad day who screams at a circulation clerk might be a much bigger problem than the quiet, unhoused patron who just wants a place to read the newspaper and stay warm. We must be careful with our judgments and remember that libraries are there to serve everyone.

14. No library staffers get to sit and read all day.

When I worked as a page, I walked the equivalent of two miles during an eight-hour shift. My circulation colleagues only got to sit down for lunches and breaks. Reference librarians were constantly getting up to help people find a book or print something. In school libraries, students continually need help with their computers or want to renew their books. I wish I had time to read at work, but I don't, and I'm sure none of my coworkers do, either.

15. A library job is a customer service position.

The myth of a library being a quiet space where you can read all day might draw some people to the profession. I wanted to work in a library because I love books and reading, so it just made sense for me to apply. I've loved my library career, but customer service is a much more important part of the job than I realized starting out. Library staff perform many different tasks, but customer service is what it all comes down to. Whether a staffer is answering the phone, helping someone fill out a job application, or leading a program, outstanding customer service is what determines a healthy, pleasant library. Some jobs interact with the public much less than others do, but even the out-of-sight staff members do their work for the people in the communities they serve.

16. Always bring a tote bag.

You think you're just running in to pick up the book you put on hold two weeks ago, but then you see that new cookbook you've wanted to read on display. You grab it and your hold, thinking, "I might as well check out the new books section while I'm here." You do, and you end up pulling another cookbook and two novels off the shelf. Now is when you're overcome with regret. You remember the tote bag you left hanging on the hook at home and how certain you were that you didn't need it. You do need it. You'll need it next time, too. Always bring a tote bag. Always.

17. James Patterson is everywhere.

The public library branch I worked in for many years had outgrown its space. The adult fiction section was always crowded, even with frequent weeding. Several authors have a large output, but James Patterson always seemed to be the most prolific. His books took up many shelves of coveted space. "Well," you might be thinking, "at least that was only a problem in the adult area." You are incorrect. Patterson also has several series for kids. "Surely you'll be safe in the teen area," you might be typing into the comment section right now. Alas, Patterson also writes teen books. He's everywhere. As soon as one of his books gets checked out, five more are returned. Patterson is unstoppable. No shelf is safe.

18. Libraries never get old.

I’m writing this post on Friday night. After working 40 hours in school libraries this week, I stopped at my local public library on my way home from work. I browsed slowly, taking my time and picking up whatever looked interesting. As I walked through the stacks, I marveled at how amazing it was to be able to take home anything I wanted for free. (Yes, I brought a tote bag.) I’ve been a library patron since I was a child, but I still can’t get enough of these vital, life-giving spaces where everyone has the same opportunity to learn and be seen. What a gift.

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What things have you learned from the library? Is there a special library staffer who made an impact on your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Consider sharing this post if you’d like to spread a little library love. Thanks for reading!