Do you have a future librarian in your family? Or a kiddo who simply loves libraries and wants to know more about them?
Our Librarian-in-Training (LIT) program might be perfect for them! LIT is meant for kids ages 10-12 who want to learn what it’s like to work in a library. Throughout the 13-week program, kids spend time in every department in order to experience all the unique jobs that a library offers. In the process, kids get a comprehensive view of how all the pieces of the organization fit together and support each other.
The program meets every Tuesday from 4-5 p.m. from January 7-April 1, with a week off in March for spring break.
Kids have to apply for LIT. You can apply here or pick up a paper application in the Children’s Library. Applications will be accepted until Friday, December 13.
Each week kids spend the hour in a different Library department. Along with a tour of the area, they also work on a departmental project with staff. LIT kids even attend a board meeting one week to experience the process of library governance.
Children’s Librarian Kalyn Webb said, “The purpose of LIT is to show kids what working in a library is like. There are so many types of jobs you can do in a library—there’s more variation than people think.”
“Our hope is that through the program we can help inspire the next generation of library employees and advocates,” Kalyn explained. “I would love for their appreciation of libraries to grow and help them become future librarians!”
Ashlee Budds’ 10-year-old daughter, Annabelle, participated in LIT last year and experienced this firsthand.
Ashlee said, “Annabelle had said before we found out about LIT that she wanted to be a librarian when she grew up. This group showed her all the different aspects the job could entail, and that becoming a librarian is truly a possibility. It gave her the confidence to pursue her dream career, even at 10 years old!”
Throughout the program, Annabelle and her fellow students rotated through User Services, Teen Services, Children’s Library, Collections Services, Circulation Services, Administration, and Marketing.
“I loved being behind the scenes and in backrooms I didn’t know were there,” Annabelle said. “It made me feel like I was actually working there, doing the job of a librarian. It gave me experience and helped make my dream of becoming a librarian grow.”
LIT helps kids grow in other ways too. Ashlee said that as a parent, she loves the sense of independence and confidence her daughter gained from doing the program.
“LIT helped Annabelle feel more confident interacting with other adults without her parents around, and showed her she is capable of doing her dream job,” Ashlee said. “Almost a year later, she still talks about things she learned and was able to do, and the people she shadowed.”
If you’d like more information about LIT, call Kalyn Webb at (423) 434-4347 or stop by the Children’s Desk. You can apply here or pick up a paper application in the Children’s Library. Applications will be accepted until Friday, December 13.
Discover more of your Library’s exciting programs for kids and families here. Follow Johnson City Public Library on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates about our programs, services, and collections.
More News
