Our Meet Your Librarian series is full steam ahead this summer and we're headed to Hanson this week to meet Children's Librarian Kate Godwin. 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 Hanson Public Library visit their website 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 I look back to my childhood I was always drawn to bookstores and libraries. I always felt a sense of peace and wonder being in them. My background is actually in TV and radio communications. I initially worked in marketing and promotions at a major market radio station for several years after graduating with a Bachelors degree in Communication Studies. I have always been a curious person and love seeking new information and helping others. I knew that I wanted to work with children and my love of children’s literature and my communications background seemed like the perfect fit for a position as a Children’s Librarian. After my first class in Young Adult literature, I was hooked!
How did your childhood experience with books or libraries affect becoming a librarian?
I come from a family of avid readers. Oddly enough compared to them, I was a “reluctant” reader, as I was very picky about what I would read. When I did find a series though, I was completely hooked and couldn’t wait to get the next title. I remember going to my library when I was a child and being so excited for the next new book in the series to come in. I grew up in the generation that loved The Babysitters Club and I think those books helped turn “reluctant” readers into book lovers.
What was your favorite book as a child?
There are so many! Charlotte’s Web is definitely one. Another is Bridge to Terabithia. I remember how magical that book was and it was the first book that ever made me feel such raw emotion. It’s still one of my favorite titles to suggest at our tween book to movie club.
What is your favorite book or series now?
I love the Who Was Biography series. They are a wonderful resource for the kids who are doing projects at school but they are also fun to read for anyone. Netflix actually just started a new series that is based on the books too. One of my current favorites is Wonder or any of the books associated with that title by R.J. Palacio. I also enjoy graphic novels.
Do you have a favorite children's author and why?
I have so many. For children’s authors (picture books) I love anything by Mo Willems and Todd Parr because they have a great way of interjecting humor into their books. The kids and parents love them too. I also enjoy framework authors Rosemary Wells & Patricia Pollaco. Two of my favorite youth authors are Judy Blume, and Ann M. Martin as I think they really spoke to the girls of that generation, myself included.
What is your favorite program at the Hanson Public Library?
My favorite programs at the library are any of the storytimes where I get to work with the kids. I particularly enjoy teaching Yoga Stories and Reading and Relaxation. I got certified to teach kids yoga about 8 years ago. I love incorporating picture books and yoga. It is so much fun to see the kids act out the stories, do yoga poses, dance to the music, play games together all while learning about yoga and mindfulness in the process.
What is one program you would want to start if you had the resources for it?
One program I would want to start if I had the resources to do it would be a weekly robotics or computer design class. Technology is changing so fast and learning about all the ways robots can help us fascinates me. It would be great to be able to provide that for our younger patrons if our budget allowed. I think it would also bring more young adults to the library.
Is there anything else you want us to know about the Hanson Public Library?
Our library staff is a tight-knit group who work very well together. Everyone is friendly and approachable and we are always open to new ideas from our patrons. Whether it be adding books to our collection, program ideas or volunteering, we welcome your thoughts and opinions. While we are a small library our staff and trustees are very active in offering relevant adult and children’s programming to our community. Our hope is to build or expand on our existing library to continue to offer even more for our library patrons.
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