Hi!
I just want to say that this was a great post! It really shows how libraries have evolved to be more user friendly at least since I was a child. I remember going to the library with my grandmother, getting a book, and leaving.
I am going to expand on your reflection… before I became a library assistant, I was a teacher. It took me probably around a year to even trust that patrons were genuine in their interactions with me. As a teacher, parent and student interactions took a toll on me.
It took a little bit of therapy and a lot of positive self talk to understand that you get what you put in as far as relationships go. I told my therapist I was having trust issues as well with patrons and she helped me to understand that it is okay to trust people.
I have now been here almost 3 years and find that I have built a lot of genuine, caring relationships with patrons.
I have a unique situation as I have a daughter in the school district where I work. I also work with children and their families. These children enjoy hanging out with my child at school and so my two worlds collide. I have created a lot of meaningful relationships with teachers during outreach and have even invited families into my home for birthday parties / vice versa. It feels a little Hallmark-y to say I have such a profound sense of community where I am but it is very true and I am happy to have the trust and sense of belonging in the community where I work and live.

@kianapouya Thanks for sharing what brought you our program and this class. When I was an undergrad I had no inkling about the power of libraries beyond writing papers etc. That came later. 😀

So glad you are here. Welcome to #hyperlib!