Sam's Liberry

₊˚ ✧ ━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━ ✧ ₊˚

Taking it all in

What a whirlwind this past week has been. My brain is absolutely filled to the brim with new information, processes, and people, but in the best way.

Despite my immense nerves and feelings of inadequacy, the time flew by and the team I have inherited have been nothing but helpful, sweet, and understanding. Not that I expected otherwise, but I know not all library teams have been so lucky. I am grateful to be in a position that is new in theory, and to build and grow with it. It is somewhat daunting “leading” the path for this particular position in a way, but also excited by the prospects of making it my own.

I am ready to feel integrated with the pre-existing ongoings, I am still figuring out what has been done, what partnerships exist, and what is needed. Granted it has only been 5 days since I started, I am yearning for the lack of confusion and overwhelm.

It is important to take hold of the inspiration and motivation; however, equally important to not overdo it and burn myself out before the real things even get started. Perhaps I am too optimistic on what can be done, but I would rather live in that ignorant bliss for the time being, as opposed to its counterpart reality of not thinking real change can happen. I am charged by the opportunity to connect with local organizations and building long lasting partnerships between them and our public library.

₊˚ ✧ ━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━ ✧ ₊˚

New Year, New Priorities

In a month that is focused on renewal, setting expectations, and laying the groundwork for how the year will progress, I will share some ‘goals’ and aspirations I have for the coming 12 months that I may or may not reflect on by at the end of 2026.

1. Create library partnerships with local organizations and schools to bring more access and familiarity with the public library!
2. Continue language learning endeavors; Japanese, Spanish, American Sign Language, and more!
3. Dedicate time and space to foster my hobbies and creative passions.
4. Continue this blog/portfolio of work for both myself and any career opportunities to come

To share a few pieces of media I’ve been enjoying/ am looking to consume…

• “Martyr” by Kaveh Akbar [Book] – An amazing read, I understand why it is on booklists and recommendations; Covering topics of Iranian identity within the US, queerness, and the unique dynamics between parents, let alone immigrant parents. I loved the blending perspectives and both external and internal dialogue of Cyrus as the story progresses.

• “Mrs. Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf [Book] – A classic book that is allegedly queer/sapphic? As we know, Miss Virginia was of the sapphic leaning world, and I am on a hunt for queer lit in general. I have this checked out from the public library and am hoping to finish it by the end of the month!

• “Youth Social Action in the Library: Cultivating Change Makers” by Gina Seymour [Book] – Going into my outreach library position, I want to not only gather ideas for potential programs and events, but also foster a sense of advocacy and social action amongst our youth. I began the seedlings of this with my elementary students, but now that I will get to work with all ages, I am excited to expand upon that and learn more. This was just recently published, and will hopefully have plenty of valuable information that I can take away and share.

₊˚ ✧ ━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━ ✧ ₊˚

Managing Expectations

The year has just begun, but I am hoping to remain positive, enchanted, and eager. I have been reminding myself that things do not in fact, need to be incessantly rushed, that it is okay to take a moment or two to think before responding, and that is it okay to ask questions (actually this is often encouraged).

As I acclimate to my new environment, duties, and tasks, I can only hope to continue learning and applying myself to the best of my abilities, without the self-inflicted impending doom. Hopefully, this also serves as a reminder to those reading that this can all apply to you as well (if needed or relatable in any way of course…)

Cheers to the new year, whenever you celebrate & well wishes to all!~

Until next time,

Sam

♡

---

References

Bloomsbury. (n.d.). Youth social action in the library [Image]. https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/youth-social-action-in-the-library-9781440870378/

Penguin Random House. (n.d.). Martyr [Image]. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/734476/martyr-by-kaveh-akbar/

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Mrs. Dalloway [Image]. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrs_Dalloway

---