Our Meet Your Librarian series is back this week and we are heading to Hingham! 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, without further ado here's a little more about one of the people who keep the children's departments at our local libraries humming in her own words.
To learn more about the Hingham Public Library visit their website HERE.
Want to meet other local children's librarians? Check out our South Shore Children's Librarians Guide HERE.
What inspired/encouraged you to become a librarian? Is there one specific moment when you knew this was what you wanted to do?
When my children were young I was that parent who gravitated to the school library. I volunteered, raised funds and advocated for them. My home had(s) books on every floor and in every room! I started at the Hingham Public Library in 2007 and in 2008 I moved into the Children’s department…and I knew then … that I was where I should be. I enjoy interacting with our patrons, guiding children and parents in their book selection, curating our collection, planning programs for our kids …the overall tempo and atmosphere of our department.
How did your childhood experience with books or libraries affect becoming a librarian?
I have been a life-long book lover. I grew up in a busy environment and reading was my refuge from the bustle of family life.
What was your favorite book as a child?
Two series come quickly to mind, “Nancy Drew” and “The Hardy Boys” BUT I also loved comic books. One of my brothers and I would pool our resources and make the stealth run to the “news agency” for the latest releases. This was not parent approved reading material!
What is your favorite children's book, or series, now?
The Harry Potter series is among my favorites. It is a wonderful read aloud for children and the audio editions are excellent.
Do you have a favorite children's author and why?
J.K. Rowling. I admire her perseverance and dedication to her dream.
What is your favorite program at the Hingham Public Library?
I have to mention two: Saturday Science – Beyond Einstein and our Read to a Dog program.
Saturday Science is the brainchild of two Hingham moms, Dr. Katie McBrine and Sonia Steele. Children, ages K through 3, learn about lesser known inventors, scientists and tinkerers, particularly women and minorities. The moms select the topic as well as prepare and implement the session. It is offered on the first Saturday of the month during the school year. Each session introduces a new figure and is accompanied by a craft.
My other favorite is our Read to a Dog Program. This is a wonderful opportunity for kids to practice their reading skills to a nonjudgmental listener in a cozy spot. Currently, we have three great volunteers who bring their dog to listen: Toni & Boo (a Shih Tzu), Pat and Luke (a Goldendoodle) and Christina and Salty (a Chihuahua). They are available at the library on Saturday mornings beginning at 10:30 AM. Each session is 15 minutes and they are here for one hour. During the summer, the schedule switches to Wednesday mornings. Registration is required for both of these programs and it/they can be made online.
What is the one program you would love to start if you had the resources for it?
I would love to introduce a series of ASL signing class.
Is there anything else we should know about you or the Hingham Public Library?
The Hingham Library is a wonderful community resource and we are always striving to provide our patrons with excellent customer service. We provide activities and programs for families and children as well as adults all year long. I hope you will visit our website at hinghamlibrary.org and take a moment to browse and learn about all the wonderful things we offer.
Most libraries have a Summer Reading Program. It is a great way to motivate kids to keep reading during the summer months and prevent summer slide! Registration for our Summer Reading Program begins on Mon. Jun. 18. At that time our summer booklet, that lists activities and programs for Jun-Jul –Aug, will be available for distribution. The nationwide theme is “Libraries Rock” and we have many fun programs and activities planned for children and teens.
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