I love books. I have always loved books. As a kid, I couldn’t stop reading and would get in trouble at school or for staying up past my bedtime. I was shy and had a difficult time finding comfort in building new relationships. Books were my escape into worlds of acceptance and camaraderie.
Then in college, I was flung into depression and I read to avoid facing the pain and numbness of the world. Perhaps because I didn’t have a strong social network behind me, I suffered. I stopped caring about my own wellbeing and simply functioned on autopilot – going through the motions without thought or awareness. But graduation was approaching and I knew I couldn’t survive on autopilot for long. Amazingly, a job opportunity in a high school library popped up immediately. Still deeply enshrouded in mental fog, I pushed myself to apply and interview. I got it.
The librarian at the school was excited for me to start and invited me to tour the library. It was class time and the hallways were quiet, but as we approached the library doors, a student was leaving. It was clear she was ditching, but the librarian graciously introduced us. In the awkwardness of the situation, the student was flustered and barely managed to greet me.
That was the moment.
It wasn’t about me anymore. I needed to start caring again. For her. I was awkward and I knew that feeling of being caught doing something you weren’t supposed to do. I was only a few years older and barely had any more life experience, but I wanted to be part of a support system that I had lacked. These teenagers were just trying to find themselves and their place in the world. And I wanted to help them.
This is my story, at least in part. So I ask you now, can you relate to it?
Did you read as much as I did?
Have you experienced mental health concerns?
Have you overcome mental obstacles?
Have you found what you want to do with your life?
Even if you can’t answer any of these questions, maybe you at least know me a little better. A small connection that can transform into a vast network of stories. Hopefully we can start to share a narrative, build empathy, listen to each other, and begin to understand the WHY.
Storytelling components for impact (Library 2.0, 2020).
Storytelling is a powerful tool for personal growth, getting to know a community, and creating an impactful library. Understanding why we’re here and why people come to the library will not only inform potential programming and services, but it can also communicate value to library funders (Library 2.0, 2020). Additionally, breaking down barriers between each other involves self-reflection, and being supportive means more than just acceptance – it requires action (Arne-Skidmore, 2021). Behavioral changes, leadership changes, or programming changes can make a huge difference in connecting with people.
Here are a couple examples of inclusive action through storytelling:
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Reading Garden (Human Library, n.d.).
The Human Library – This program offers readers a chance to check out “human books” and have a conversation with someone who has a particular perspective or life experience. By asking questions, engaging with new ideas, and finding shared understanding, individuals and communities are brought together (Wentz, 2013).
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Sensitive Santa (Yarra Libraries, 2022).
Sensitive Santa – This program is an alternative to a shopping center Santa experience for neuro-divergent children. A sensory-friendly environment with staff and a Santa who know each family’s needs provide a space for kids to connect without feeling overwhelmed (Library 2.0, 2020).
Finally, I leave you with a small reminder to be genuine and present. Michael Stephens (2019) shared a tip for fellow presenters, but I think it can also be applied to our interactions with each other and our communities:
“Be yourself, share your story honestly, and your audience will be right there with you.”
References
Arne-Skidmore, E. (2021, August 4). New study on the impact of the Human Library. Human Library.
Human Library. (n.d.). Human Library Reading Garden.
Library 2.0. (2020, March 11). The power of stories [Video]. YouTube.
Stephens, M. (2019). Office hours: With a little twist & power of the pod. INFO 287 – The Hyperlinked Library.
Wentz, E. (2013, April 26). The Human Library: Sharing the community with itself. Public Libraries Online.
Yarra Libraries. (2022, December 22). Sensitive Santa | Yarra Libraries 2022 [Video]. YouTube.
Hi @jlindberg,
Thank you for sharing. I can so relate to your story. I suffered from anxiety and depression in my younger years as well. It took me longer to find a purpose and I love how you saw yourself in the teenager who was cutting class and decided to be part of the support network that you didn’t have. Stories are so powerful and it can make us feel so vulnerable to share which means there is a level of trust taken when you choose to share.
Like the volunteers of the human library. I wonder why they decide to volunteer? There is a story there too. Great post!
@daisychia
@jlindberg thank you for sharing your story with us. Your experience resonates with me. How many of us here were kids reading books under the covers with a flashlight after lights out? Would love to see a raise of hands.
The high school library was clearly a safe space for the teenage girl in your story, and how amazing that you became part of that! The library creates space and trust for us all to tell our own story.
Raises hand! I was also a kid reading under the covers, especially whenever I was faced with “big” feelings growing up. You pointed out such an important part about taking action. Without doing something—making changes, as you write—there is no impact. I love the idea of the “Human Library” in that it encourages connection and brings people together. I wonder if it’s something I would have used instead of burying my head in books… I like to imagine yes!
@jlindberg what an absolutely lovely story you shared. I really appreciate your other insights related to how stories might play out in our libraries. Thank you for the reminder about telling your story being honest and having the audience be right there with you. I’ve actually forgotten about that! I found it some of my best talks have tapped into personal storytelling over just getting up and telling people what cool things libraries are doing and why they should do it too.