5th Blogiversary

It was 5 years ago today that I published my very first blog post, initially just to prove a point to my smart-ass tween, who didn't believe his mom could possibly have the computer skills to start a blog, even though I've been using computers and the internet since long before he ever came along. But I found I really enjoyed it, and it was a nice way to to keep records of all my programs that was easily accessible and searchable, as well as express myself creatively and professionally.

This blog has seen me through several job changes, and has grown and evolved to reflect the changes in my duties and interests. I've gone from page to early literacy outreach specialist to a children's library associate at a busy, diverse, suburban branch. The focus of the blog has grown from being almost exclusively focused on early literacy to include arts and crafts, STEM, and multidisciplinary programs for all ages. This blog has also seen me through my decision to pursue my MLIS in the hopes of becoming a full-fledged children's librarian, and now the completion of that degree! 

Sadly, this blog has also seen me during a serious, life-altering pandemic, which means no graduation ceremony, no job openings, and a great deal of uncertainty about the future. My library system is closed and we are being paid, for which I am very grateful, but I can't help but wonder how long it will be before we can open, and how much longer they will be able to keep paying us if we are not working. Some of the full-time staff are doing some work from home, but they have not asked the part-time staff to do anything, though I am working on professional development. The economy will likely be in a deep recession, so I am not feeling very hopeful about full-time job prospects in the near future.

It's all very surreal. I go back and forth between being okay and feeling very stressed and worried about both staying healthy, and what the future holds. I really miss working and seeing my coworkers and patrons every day. I'm really bummed about the programs I had planned that I didn't or won't get to do: Pi Day storytime, St. Patrick's Day Science, The Fungus Among Us STEM program, Flower Art, storytimes... I'm doubtful that we'll be having summer programs, so there goes my Baby Shark preschool program I was so looking forward to, and my teen Cupcake Wars programs, which would've been my first opportunity to do a teen program. I'm totally having program withdrawal. My system has started doing some online programming, but only the full-time librarians are involved. 

So, after 333 posts in 5 years, I'm not sure I'll have much content for the next few months, until the library opens and programming resumes, so there may not be many posts. But, I'll be busy editing my research paper and getting it ready to submit for publication, reading, trying not to worry too much, and watching the mailbox for my diploma to arrive! Hopefully, things will get back to some semblance of normal sooner rather than later, the economy will bounce back, and maybe in the not to distant future I'll be able to announce I finally have a full-time position as a full-fledged children's librarian.

I may post something if I have a moment of inspiration, but don't be surprised if the blog is much quieter than usual for a while. Take care and stay healthy everyone!