Bringing the SFPL bookmobile to Golden Gate Park to support and connect people who are hard to reach, was inspired by my experience with depression. About six months into the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a point where the “me” I knew to be positive and full of hope was shifting rather quickly to doom and gloom and I desperately needed to find a place that could help clear my mind and let go of anxiety. The one place I knew I could go to with plenty of safe space was Golden Gate Park.

Here my journey to self-care and well-being began. The freedom to walk in the same space with other park participants helped me feel connected to my community once again. Time allowed me to observe and appreciate all the things around me. There was a whole world coexisting and thriving really, really well and I was able to step into it and become part of its pure life energy. Today, the connection to the park still draws me in almost daily and the “positive and hopeful me” is forever grateful for this sanctuary.

My story of self-care is the same for thousands who come to Golden Gate Park to find peace during hard times. I empathize with those that have a hard time connecting socially and might not know how to reach out to connect with others. I understand what those barriers can be. Bookmobiles can be a great way to connect to those who are struggling and that’s why I feel the presence of the Library in Golden Gate Park on the JFK Promenade would certainly bridge that gap.

If I ever get a chance to work at SFPL, I would love to propose this plan to our City Librarian, Michael Lambert and the SFPL Commission. I think it would really support our community!

Thank you for reading my Inspiration Report. 

A ballet performance can be such a beautiful way to tell a story through dance, music, costumes and set design, sans words. I will never forget the first time my parents took me to see The Nutcracker Ballet in San Francisco and that feeling of excitement and anticipation to witness ballerinas dance on stage and tell a story.  I followed every second of every act and knew exactly what was happening. The graceful movements, the dramatic music, the fancy sets and costumes took me to another world; it was as if I was apart of Clara’s dream.

I didn’t expect Module 10 The Power of Stories, to take me to this place, the memory of going to see The Nutcracker.

While watching The Power of Stores video I was moved by Kylie Carlson’s story because we share the same experience of parenting children on the spectrum. The Sensitive Santa event was such a brilliant and kind program. I loved the patience, the compassion, and the kindness the library provided so that children on the spectrum could experience what it was like to meet Santa in a peaceful and calm environment.

I started to reflect about children on the spectrum and the concept of telling stories without words and then I remembered listening to an interview with the San Francisco Ballet, talking about how 2023 was their second year producing an all-inclusive Nutcracker performance. They partnered with The Autism Society of San Francisco Bay Area, creating a special rendition of the Nutcracker ballet for everyone to enjoy. So many times families with neurodivergent children do not attend such special performances because it can be too much sensory overload to endure and all the rules and etiquette are too stressful and almost impossible to follow. However, the SF Ballet took the chance to change that and opened doors for everyone to come see The Nutcracker.  For example, the lights were left on for those who were sensitive to the dark; if anyone wanted to sing or express emotions using voice or clapping hands during any time of the performance, that was welcomed; the orchestra removed loud and startling sounds which can be very triggering; there are quite rooms for children to take breaks in and go back to the theater when they are feeling ready; there’s a space in the back of the seating section for anyone who wants to dance during the performance, plus so much more!

They created a safe space for children of all ages to experience this wonderful story in a welcoming and safe environment. They even provided a Resource Guide called the Sensory Friendly Visual Checklist on their website which can be very useful for people to prepare for the event ahead of time so there are no surprises (surprises can be hard to process).

In reflection, I’m so grateful for all those who advocate for all-inclusive events, creating and providing access for neurodivergent children and adults to participate in because everyone should be able to experience joy through the arts. If you have time and are interested please watch this YouTube video A Sensory Friendly Nutcracker: SF Ballet partners with Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area about how this all began.

Library 2.0. (2020, March 11). The power of stories. [Video]. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvZlTRTVX10&t=260s

San Francisco Ballet. (2023, November 8). A sensory friendly nutcracker: SF ballet partners with autism society of San Francisco Bay Area. [Video]. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4OLk2JjKQU&t=9s

San Francisco Ballet. (n.d.) Nutcracker sensory friendly performance. https://www.sfballet.org/nutcracker-sensory-friendly-performance/

The readings from Module 9: New Horizons was very concerning to me and stirred up emotions about humanity and the polarization between the have and the have nots. The power of innovation is intense and incredible and continually advances, but it also leaves many behind. There’s also so many other things that divide us, it’s hard to imagine that we as a society can find a place in our hearts and minds to connect, listen, learn, and support humanity and Earth and stand together as equals celebrating our true selves with compassion and enthusiasm.

So many things…

…but then I think about libraries. I think about the power of the librarian and their ability to reach out to those who are being left behind and help connect them to resources they need to achieve goals, gain access to FREE education, to find a community, to find a place that will support them and see them through.

A library can be there for that person who never graduated high school and offer free GED services so they can finally receive a high school diploma. A library can provide technology for that person who doesn’t have internet or a computer so they can take online courses and learn new skills that will help them get a better job. A library can give free tutoring classes for that person who needs to learn how to read so they can fill out job applications or a housing rental agreement. A library can offer hands on training on how to use a smart phone for tele-health appointments. So many things a library can do for that person who just needs to see that hand open up and guide them to a place that will enlighten their future and connect them to their community and find opportunity. Who knows?  That person could be an Oscar winning writer who just needed that extra support to fulfill their dreams. That person could be the one who saves a life because they gained skills to be an EMT. Who knows? That person could end up being a librarian who reads amazing stories to children at story time and creates future life long library fans.

Anderson, J., Rainie, L. & Vogels, E. (2021, February 18). Experts say the new normal in 2025 will be far more tech-driven, presenting more big challenges. Pew Research Center https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/02/18/experts-say-the-new-normal-in-2025-will-be-far-more-tech-driven-presenting-more-big-challenges/

Below is a Canvas link to my Strategy and Roadmap Assignment.

Having a free and convenient place to let go of old and damaged e-waste can be a very powerful and freeing experience especially when you know that those items will be handled safely by experts who care for the environment. I thought this could be a neat community experience for the residents of San Francisco and provide this kind of event on Earth Day at local library branches.

I actually started my assignment on a totally different topic, but somehow I ended up with this idea and I’m so glad I discovered it. I learned more about e-waste and so glad to see a company like ERI really taking e-waste seriously and doing everything they can to not contaminate the environment. I really think this would be a fun event and maybe I started off a bit grand with including 14 libraries, but it was fun to think about the planning process.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGAE0FDg2k/R_hStN65QN_3cFdk3jIAew/edit?utm_content=DAGAE0FDg2k&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

I’m so glad you came to visit my blog!

My name is Christine Shelley, but you can call me Christie. I live in San Francisco with my husband, teenager and two cats, Clark and Daisy. I love to run because my body can still do it (past 50) and it keeps me healthy. I’m interested in finding and identifying wild mushrooms, listen to music, take short day trips out of the city with our kiddo, visit family in Santa Cruz and Napa Valley and explore Golden Gate Park and The Presidio.

I look forward to sharing my thoughts, ideas and experiences here and most importantly meet and learn from all of you. This is my fourth semester at iSchool and I found that discussion groups have been a huge part of my learning process at iSchool. I’ve learned so much from my peers!

I hope you enjoy my blog site!

-Christie

Here’s Daisy (front) and Clark. Fun fact: both are rescue cats. Daisy was free at the SPCA and Clark was abandoned.  I had seen him around the yard at night and noticed how skinny he was, so I left food out for him before he was brave enough to “knock” on our door. One night a raccoon came right up to Clark as he was eating and asserted itself in front of the cat food. Clark must have known this raccoon and knew it was “friendly” because he just moved over to make room for it. They both sat side by side around the food bowl.  (I didn’t adopt the raccoon).