There is no doubt that here at Macaroni Kid we LOVE our local libraries! They provide a free place for families to connect, learn and play right within our community. They are warm, inviting, and full of life thanks largely to our fabulous children's librarians. So, we thought it would be fun to learn a little more about the people who keep the children's departments at our local libraries humming with a new column called "Meet Your Librarian". Next in our series is Ms. Monica Brennan the Children's Librarian at Ventress Memorial Library located at 15 Library Plaza in Marshfield. Here's a little more about Ms. Monica in her own words ...
Please note Ms. Monica has left Ventress Memorial Library since our interview. She is now the Children's Librarian at Turner Free Library in Randolph, MA. For more information of family-fun at the Turner Free Library and in the Randolph area please visit Macaroni Kid Weymouth at weymouth.macaronikid.com.
What inspired/encouraged you to become a librarian?
About a decade ago, I realized that I was really only interested in reading children’s and young adult books. I took one library class and I knew I wanted to be a children’s librarian.
How did your childhood experience with books or libraries affect becoming a librarian?
When I was a child, I spent time in every kind of library including public, academic, art, special and archives. It wasn’t until I got to library school that I realized that wasn’t normal. I was very lucky. My goal as a children’s librarian is to help every kid find an inspiring book.
What was your favorite book as a child?
As a child, I loved any book written by Jacques Cousteau. I loved non-fiction books. I’m delighted that non-fiction easy reader books are becoming common in public libraries!
What is your favorite children's book, or series, now?
It is impossible to pick one favorite book or even series…so I’ll just say… graphic novels in general. I’m obsessed with all children’s graphic novels.
Do you have a favorite children's author and why?
Olivier Jeffers is probably my favorite author and illustrator...everything he does is thought-provoking, engaging, and fun!
What is your favorite program at Ventress Memorial Library?
Storytime is great! We have songs, stories, crafts, and toys…the time flies by and there is something to engage every child.
What is the one program you would love to start if you had the resources for it?
If I had unlimited resources, I would have weekly improv classes, weekly cartooning classes, and weekly 3D maker space classes.
Is there anything else we should know about you or the Ventress Memorial Library?
There is something for every kid: giant playground; hot cocoa in the Keurig; cool toys, and great readers advisory resources.
Meet the Other South Shore Children's Librarians
Erin Puleio - Rockland Memorial Library
Ann Lattinville - Scituate Town Library
