As an Adult/Young Adult Librarian, I sometimes think the “Adult” side of librarianship is not fully aware of the intelligence, energy, and dedication of our J/YA contingent.  While I’ve never worked anywhere in which this was the case, I know J and YA are not always considered leadership tracks career-wise, and that even in this day and age, some folks are still uncomfortable serving children or teens at an Adult desk. 

Well, wake up and watch the future!  The ideas shared yesterday at the Youth Services Forum should keep New Jersey’s children and teens engaged with libraries until they grow up to be taxpayers. And it will be thanks to these vibrant, enthusiastic young (or young-at-heart) librarians who have thrown their hearts and souls into the profession that those new taxpayers will value and support libraries.

Kudos to Tamara Richman and her team for a wonderful, wonderful job putting together this year’s  Forum!  I feel enriched by the new ideas to try with my teens, and the renewed sense of community this event always engenders.

I am also, thanks to Cheryl and the irresistible NJLA store, materially poorer, but hey, it’s SO cool!

Sue

Susan P. Grotyohann

Reference and Young Adult Services Librarian

Monroe Township Library

4 Municipal Plaza

Monroe Township, NJ 08831

732-521-5000

sgr...@monroetwplibrary.org