“It was a pleasure to burn.

It was a pleasure to see things eaten, to see things blackened and changed.”

Literacy instructs. Literacy warns. Literacy empowers. I find the cautionary tale of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury to be one of utmost importance. The introductory lines of his novel are spoken from a fireman whose duty it is to burn books as they are a threat to the subordination of the populace to those in power. As librarians, one of our key roles is to maintain intellectual freedom and safeguard information. I believe this to be one of the key factors in my decision to become a librarian.

My name is Kelsey and I’m bringing Ketchup to the picnic. There, now that I’ve gotten the icebreaker out of the way, I can begin to tell you more interesting aspects of my life as it currently exists. I am studying to be a public children’s and/or young adult librarian. Although I avoided the career choice as an English major undergraduate because it was “too stereotypical,” I finally considered how my life goals intricately aligned with the career of a librarian. I want to spread happiness. I want to guide children into a life of creative expression, personal acceptance, and participation in their communities. I want to share my love of theatrical performance through storytelling. I want to provide another positive adult model in their lives. I want to offer a safe environment for all members of society. I want to share my enthusiasm for knowledge. These are the pillars which give purpose to the career I will pursue.

And the hour at night that I will pursue them in grad school, as seen evident by the time this post will air. Although, the work load has been remarkably light. I was expecting 10-page papers every week like my fellow history and philosophy graduate school friends but it has only been simple reading (pages and pages of simple reading) albeit information reading. I am taking three classes: Computer Based Information Tools (a basic level technology class where I’ll learn how to use unix and xhtml), Reference (which is an introduction to Library Science class), and Youth Materials. The latter is an excellent introduction to famous children’s authors and illustrators with an understanding of what makes a children’s book stand the test of time (which would be about a decade in the world of children’s literature).

I apologize for the lack of humorous additions, but I hope to be more lively in the future. Have you ever met an unenthusiastic, dull children’s librarian? If you have, tell me and I’ll inform the right authorities.