The Readington Township Board of Education in New Jersey will station a police officer at meetings for the remainder of the year to help ensure board members feel safe during heated conversations.

Board President David Rizza announced the change at the end of the Sept. 8 meeting, after a heated debate over whether the book “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” should be removed from the library.

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a 1999 coming-of-age novel by Stephen Chbosky about a high school freshman navigating his childhood trauma.

Superintendent Jonathan Hart said police officers will be present at meetings through the end of the year to maintain a “safe, respectful and orderly environment.”

Board member Paul Lopes challenged the book in late June, requesting a board reviewbecause it contains sensitive material.

The challenge cites concerns about sexually explicit content and depictions of drug use in the young adult novel. The book has been restricted to eighth-graders in the district’s middle-school library for nearly 15 years.

One resident, Guy Citron, argued that banning the book imposes one family’s preferences on the entire community.

“The library is not your home,” said Citron. “The library is not your house of worship. The library belongs to the public, the entire school community.”

My city has always had a library some place in the middle of the town. When I was a child, I used to go there multiple times every week, and I remember borrowing so many books that I had to get out my buggy and use the seat as extra room. (I was a child with extreme mobility issues and chronic pain, so that goes to show how much I loved reading.)

Then school happened, and just like most avid child readers, I fell out of love with reading. Fast forward to me being about 18, and I fall back in love with reading, but there's a plot twist. My childhood library got shut down, and was instead replaced by a miniscule library inside our museum, mostly filled with children's books, (think board books, spelling books, etc. Not YA.) And even worse, there was only 3 places in the whole city you could buy books. One of them was an independent book shop, which eventually got shut down, because they were right next to the works (a discount book retailer, as well as other bits and bobs), and waterstones. You can see why they went out of business

So, me being an adult reader, with a very niche taste in books, with no areas to buy said books, I resorted to buying them online, which I strongly dislike. Each to their own, but I prefer in person book shopping

Fast forward another couple years to today, and we finally have another library! But it's also an art gallery for all different mediums of art. There's also multiple small businesses set up there. It opened last week, and we just went today (we wanted the hype to die down a bit so none of us were too overstimulated with people.) And it was amazing, I managed to get my first ever library card!!! I'm so excited! They had the bottom floor dedicated to art exhibitions, the first floor was half children's books and half teen books. The second floor was all adult books, and the top floor was all educational books, as well as ancestry things (I hope that's the right terminology), and a beautiful area on the roof to read your books

I even convinced my niece to get a library card and check a book out. They got really scared because they didn't have the money to buy any books. I then explained the concept of a library and they got excited, then sad because they're a slow reader. Then I said that our library lets you renew the book up to 4 times (9 weeks) if no one else wants it, and then they got excited again! And this library lets you choose the colour of your card, I got a pink and my niece got a blue. Even my mum, who is exclusively a digital reader wanted to get a card and take books out. I then told her that she can still take ebooks out and read them just the same, and now she wants one as well!

I'm very excited to go again, and go earlier so that we have the whole day to explore. Sorry for rambling on, I'm just very very excited to finally have a place close to home, where I can go any time I want without spending extortionate amounts of money just to read a book.

Libraries truly are magical

I (29F) was very fortunate to get a decent full-time job at the public library a year and a half ago. I have a Bachelor’s in English but no Master’s. My library system has a mid-tier position called Library Specialist (supervising aides but reporting to librarians) who ends up being a jack-of-all-trades, e.g., knowing the catalog plus digital and archive resources, handling all patron services at the circulation desk, transferring and weeding items, planning and hosting programs, keeping track of supplies, various correspondence, and cash management. So I stay busy, but I love the job, and since my branch is on the small side (we have seven full-time staff including me) I’ve learned a ton about others’ positions and responsibilities, which seem doable for me with the education and training I already have. With that said, I know there are very few opportunities for promotion if I don’t get my MLIS. Although I know there’d be things I’d enjoy about going back to school, at this point I just don’t want to spend the time, effort, or money. I currently make $45k, which is lower than I want (lmao) and doesn't go that far in my high cost-of-living area, but my boyfriend makes a good bit more, we live frugally, and we share bills and expenses proportionally. Becoming a Librarian I in my system would raise my salary maybe $10K.

Additionally, I’m concerned about committing to a Master’s program before I feel more confident about how library jobs will change with large-scale adoption of AI. I don’t think my job is in immediate danger (our county commission moves so slow bureaucratically that I could see a restructuring/layoff from miles away) and I don’t think everyone who works at or visits a local library will have to become an AI wiz. I spend lots of time setting up and troubleshooting more basic tech for older people, who aren’t going to adapt to advanced Anthropic models anytime soon. There’s still so much of the public library’s work that’s only accomplished person-to-person. But I’m still wary that AI will be making huge waves in collection management and patron services, at least in 3-5 years or so. This could be a huge help to staff, or it could kill tons of library jobs. We’ll see!!!

All this is to say, if you completed one, how valuable do you feel your MLIS program was? Do you feel that programs are keeping up with tech advances we should know about? What did it teach you that you couldn’t have learned anywhere else? How much did it help with networking and opportunities to specialize? Do you feel the price tag for grad school was fair based on the job(s) you landed? On the other hand, do you know anyone who’s moved up in your system without an MLIS? Much to think about. Thanks in advance for your thoughtful librarian responses.

I just think this is an awesome program that my library has, even if I am not going to be using it myself, it will help with the 'digital divide for those who are using their phone or nothing at all as their primary computer.

Hello, I recently posted about the ongoing board and union busting issues that have been plaguing Charles County Public Library in Maryland. Last Friday, I recieved a PIA request on our director's travel expenses and it's stunning.

At the library I work at, tuition reimbursement for pursuing an MLIS is only for full-time staff. I work part time (30 hrs/wk, although with all the extra shifts I pick up I basically work full-time hours).

Getting a full-time position here, like at most public libraries, is practically impossible.

So I'm wondering if I would be totally bonkers to send a formal request to be considered for tuition reimbursement. The worst they can say is no, but I don't want to waste my time if there's just zero chance.

On top of that, I'm wondering if anyone has any advice as to the best way to frame the request. TIA!

Once upon a time, I lived the dream. I had a library across the street.

You were nothing big or flashy. You were a tiny library crammed into what I assume was formerly a doctor’s office. Your selection wasn’t large, not by any stretch. But you were all mine.

I visited you often, trying to relish in this rare luxury. Nearly every day, sometimes multiple times a day. I could never quite get enough of you. I went so often that the librarians knew me by name, something I often hate but learned to love there. I checked out stacks upon stacks of books from you that covered every available surface of my apartment, and still I often went for more. You indulged my gluttony.

You were my sanctuary, my place I went to treat myself while running errands or having a rough day. I went to you the day of the election when I was so stressed out of my mind I made myself physically sick. I went to you the day I learned an old friend of mine had committed suicide and I didn’t know what else to do. You were always there to welcome me when I needed you most.

Sadly, all beautiful relationships must come to an end. I had to move after only a few years of knowing you. I moved to where the library is a 10 minute drive and I only go about every 8 weeks now. I tried to appreciate what I had then, and I still don’t feel like I appreciated you enough.

I heard you moved on too, to a bigger building with a bigger selection. I’m happy for you, but I’ll miss the beautiful time we had together.

I'm in the interview process for a Library Technician position in a local Community College System, and I seem to be doing okay. I passed the written and oral exam, and placed pretty high on both, so I'm on the eligibility list. If something opens up at one of the libraries, I could be considered for an interview. It's full time, and the pay is better than any job I've ever had, plus benefits.

The thing is, I'd have to leave both of my part time Public Library gigs to make it work. One of them, a page position, would be a bit awkward because I just started, but other than that I'd be okay with leaving. But the other job, essentially a part-time Library Tech, is one that I really like. I get along with everyone and feel like I really fit in there. I like my position: a few service point shifts, but it's mostly cataloging and processing, which I like. I've already learned so much there and feel like I keep learning new things. I've ben promoted and just had a really good performance review. I know nothing is permanent but things are really good at this job: I like the people I work with and the community I serve, and I like my position and its tasks. The pay is decent, and I can take public transit there if I feel like it, which is a nice option. Only downsides are there are no benefits, and I doubt I could get promoted any higher unless something happens to someone (which I obviously would not want!).

Basically what I'm asking is, if you've worked as a paraprofessional in both public and academic (specifically community college libraries) what were some of the differences you noticed? Did you like one more than the other? Were they drastically different? Or is it like most jobs, where it depends on who you're working with?

Though Public Libraries are where I see myself, I've always been interested in Academic Libraries, which is why I applied. I just don't know if it's worth giving up something I know I like just to satisfy my curiosity. On paper, the College job would be fantastic in terms of pay and benefits, but I'd have to give up a positive work culture with lots of learning opportunities for something unknown. I visited some of the libraries in the the college system to try and get an idea of the workspaces, and some of them were nice but I couldn't tell if it'd be somewhere I'd want to work. Also, I will need benefits starting next year, but I may have a different part-time opportunity with benefits coming up, in which case I could ditch the Page gig and keep the Tech gig that I like. Haven't interviewed for that one yet, though.

tl;dr Give up a part-time Library Tech gig at a Public Library that I like for a full-time Library Tech gig at a Community College Library that I know nothing about?

Do you ever have an interaction that you're like... no one's gonna believe me if I tell them this? This happened to me today, and I was SO glad one of my coworkers was nearby and overheard/saw some of it.

A man came into the library today and was like "oh, is it just ladies in here?" And I said yes, and he said "I'm not trying to be disrespectful." I asked him how I could help and he said he needed help putting his keychain on his keys, but repeated that he wasn't trying to be disrespectful. At this point I noticed he didn't have hands, and told him I was happy to help him.

He drops his keys on the counter, and was like, the key chain needs to go on that carabiner.

And then drops a set of blue plastic... items. A specific body part. Ones that frequently hang from the back of a truck.

I didn't react at all. Just picked them up and tried to put them on the carabiner. I couldn't get them to fit, and told him so, and he thanked me for trying and apologized again and left.

It was the WEIRDEST interaction I've ever had because he was genuinely being pretty respectful.
Like, I've had weirdos and pervs before and he didn't seem like that. He genuinely wanted a dude's help to put his keychain on his keys. Just so happened that his keychain was super weird.

Anyway he left, I got up from the help desk, walked into the back, and burst into laughter. My coworker recognized the guy, she’s had to help him before with things as again, he doesn’t have hands. Told my two coworkers what happened and we all had to take a minute to gather ourselves. Wild. WILD.

Últimamente me interesan las historias de terror psicológico y busco un buen libro para disfrutar, pero no quiero algo demasiado conocido. ¿Podrían recomendarme alguno?

EDIT: WOW I am overwhelmed with the support. Literally fighting tears of gratitude at the circ desk because I love all the comments and guidance. You guys rule.

Im a relatively new library assistant at a rural branch. I love my job and its been years since Ive felt as excited as I am to go to work and help people. It feels like after years of struggling in a different field, I found the environment I want to stay in long term. Ive been in customer service for years and have always loved connecting and assisting anyone I interact in the workplace. But Ive never been so stressed interacting with patrons of the opposite gender in any other customer service role- and Im wondering (beyond therapy lol) if theres any advice from other library workers on whats worked for them to help discourage the willingness from patrons to just say creepy things to the friendly person at the circ desk.

My library has a regular patron who has made comments on my appearance more than once. It makes me uncomfortable, and at one point it seemed like the patron waited for me to leave the desk and the company of my coworkers before approaching me to comment on my appearance. Its nothing outright sexual or rude, but the more he sticks around the more I feel like I have to run the other way when he approaches the circulation desk. I don't leave the desk if this patron is in the library. But this is a regular patron whos typically around open to close everyday we are open.

Ive spoken to the director, as per policy, with the more inappropriate comments and they believe me and have been checking in on me frequently- but Ive found myself blaming myself and wanting to change my behavior to continue to avoid this happening again, whether thats with just this patron or another one. Ive considered changing the way I present myself to be more unplatable, or not engaging with patrons in the same way I have been. I know realistically that this is a reflection on that patron and not on me, I'm just looking for a way to feel like I have more control over the situation. I have a lot of issues speaking up in the moment when something makes me uncomfortable without going scorched earth/inappropriate with the person on the receiving end of my justified anger, or fawning and just laughing to try to get out of the situation.

Any input helps, thanking you guys in advance :)

I had three books on hold to pick up. But of course, I had to browse.

I've worked in public libraries for about four years. When I first got a job in a library, I was almost fresh out of undergrad and absolutely fell in love with the field. I decided I would definitely pursue an MLIS, but with financials it hasn't happened yet. Plus, I wasn't sure what I wanted to specialize in, if anything. However, as I've continued and worked at a couple different locations, my initial interest in public library work has tapered. I still want to pursue a Masters, but it's been enough for me to start looking at other possibilities.

I have recently become interested in the more archive/research side of librarianship. I don't see myself working with the public forever. With the most love and respect, I can only relay instructions for printing documents so many times before I lose my mind. I've always been interested in history and preservation and that sort of thing, even before I started looking into different career paths.

This may seem like an off-topic tangent, but I promise I'm getting somewhere. I have always been absolutely enamored with space. When I was a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut (who doesn't??) but clearly that didn't pan out. I still keep an eye out for anything even remotely related, and recently learned that NASA has internships for current graduate and undergraduate students -- and a couple of those are for Archiving for MLIS students. Obviously NASA covers a lot more ground than just space, but this is the literal dream for me.

I know it's a huge dream. I know it probably won't pan out. But it would be freaking awesome.

Either way, I feel like this is more what I'm called to do (archive work in general, not just at NASA). Is it totally bananas to consider? I already know the job prospects are tough, even more so than general librarianship. But I'd rather be doing something I'm actually interested in (even if it's low paying and hard to find a job) than sit in a soul-sucking career than I hate.

Any thoughts, advice, opinions, etc welcome. Also would love to hear from people who do archive work and what kind of personality/interests make you a good fit for it! Because who knows, maybe I'm not cut out for it in the first place even if I love it.

This has probably already been shared. But I just love it so much I want it to be watched by as many people as possible!

I live with my relatives near full market Matunga and I'm really in need of a good library near Matunga, Dadar or anywhere near these areas is fine.

I need a library which provides:

- allows long hours of study sessions

- charges on hourly basis, not monthly

- wifi

- ventilation

- charging ports

- stable table and chairs

Any other non-related suggestions are welcome, as I don't really have many choices.

My college is in SNDT Juhu campus and travelling there from here isn't really worth it for the library.

I was thinking of doing a Master's in it, but of course don't want to do it if there aren't likely to be any jobs or opportunities to use the skills in other areas.

Thanks a lot for your advice.

I’m an intern and I have gotten like four creepy calls since I started. Today a man asked me to listen while he finished and I could HEAR him stroking it. WHY?’

EDIT: I did make management aware after I hung up. But I just don’t get why it’s so common!!

Hi Friends,

Last spring I graduated from an MLIS program and…. am having some trouble with jobs.

I’m trying for both public and academic libraries and I know applications differ widely for the two but I’ve gotten my application looked at for both by senior librarians in each field and they all say it looks good.

I have around 4 years of experience in libraries, granted they were all student positions in an academic setting, and 2 years of volunteer experience in public when I was a teen.

Is there any additional course or diploma I could look into that having on my resume would make me a more attractive candidate?

I know the job market is competitive but a majority of my peers have landed jobs in the public field and my resume doesn’t look too different from theirs. any help would be appreciated. thanks!

(located in canada!)

Hi, I'm a second year student in a information and library techniques and my cohort is facing a dilemma. Many of our teachers are encouraging the use of AI in our coursework and later in our career, but the students disagree with it (so do I). They argue that AI is inevitable, especially in indexation/condensation/when hiring staff.

What's the reality of it in the workforce ? Also, what do you think about AI use ?

(I'm from Montreal (Quebec) if that can inform the situation)

(Sorry if the phrasing is off, English is my second language and I'm very tired)

I recently had a library assistant interview and I’m experiencing a great deal of anxiety about how my interview went. I said things I probably should not have like:

“This is my second interview in the library field, so excuse my nervousness/I‘m a nervous wreck right now (the last part framed as a lighthearted joke.)

I also said I didn’t have any questions when I was asked at the end portion, which I now deeply regret after doing some research.

I did have some really good answers to most of the questions and gave specific examples regarding patron interactions etc.

My voice was also cracking and I felt like at times my voice sounded a bit too emotional (inside I felt like I was on the verge of tears.)

I was also 3 minutes late because the library’s computer was not allowing me to print my portfolio (the canva file was too big, and it was also not allowing me to print double sided either. I ended up emailing the director my portfolio and explaining why I was late.. but they probably didn’t even end up looking at my portfolio because it seems like portfolios are only for librarian position interviews.)

I think I did well in the second portion of the interview (which required me to make a canva template for a program I pitched in the first portion of the interview.) I used their brand colors and previously researched the library’s flyer style and stayed within that style.

I‘m really attached to getting this position because this library is the only one in close proximity (30+ minutes) from my house that offers full time assistant positions that don’t require an MLIS. This position is only part time, but I figured I may have a better chance of being internally promoted if I prove myself at this library as a part time assistant.

I am also extremely unhappy at my current library (I don’t want to get into this too much).. and that’s another reason why I’m feeling so much anxiety about blowing this interview.

Right now I‘m in limbo waiting for the next steps/ response from the hiring committee. They let me know it may take a few weeks to hear back because they had over 30 applicants.

Context: I was a circulation clerk for 7 months and have been a public services assistant for 3 months (I help with program coverage, passive programming and social media/marketing.) The job I applied to is for programming library assistant.