Hello! My name is Mae Ramirez and I’m from Los Angeles, CA. My students call me Miss Mae, sometimes, Miss Library, and sometimes they just shout “Library!” at me in the halls. I am in the MLIS program, and if all goes well, next semester should be my last. I’ve been taking the program at a snail’s pace for the past several years, balancing motherhood, work, and various volunteer gigs, so it feels pretty fantastic to finally be at this stage.
In my first semester of the program in Spring 2023, I was assigned various readings and videos related to Professor Stephens’ Hyperlinked Library. New to the world of librarianship, I remember feeling a sense of optimism and joy to be part of such an altruistic career path. Now several years deep as a school librarian at a Title 1 (read: poor and 99% Latino) elementary school, I am often exhausted from just how much of myself I’ve given to a profession that I love but that sometimes I feel does not love me back. The love from the students, my administration, and teachers is overwhelming and fuels me every day; but I am constantly fighting the district for a slice of a budget, resources and support for our library. I am intentionally finishing out my San Jose elective courses with Hyperlinked Library because I know it is the revitalization I need to keep me going, to think creatively, and remind me of the love, compassion, and connection that guides this work.
Through it all, I have truly fallen in love with children’s librarianship. I’m proud to celebrate that a grant I wrote for our library finally came into fruition this past weekend, when 1300+ brand new diverse books were donated, processed, and shelved by 60 volunteers in less than 4 hours! This kind of action has reminded me that sometimes equitable solutions don’t need district approval, just people power and community-led care.
Hello Mae!
I think it is absolutely adorable that your students call you Miss Library. What a great feeling it is to be reaching the end of the program. Congratulations!
I am also new to the world of librarianship and feel like I am learning something new about the field every two hours. There are so many opportunities in the field, but as you stated, also numerous hurdles.
I know it can be difficult to remain positive, especially during a time when libraries are being threatened in seen and unforeseen ways; however, it seems like your hard work is paying off. You are reaching the end of your program and have acquired a grant for your library! These are amazing accomplishments and demonstrate that our actions have power.
I am also leaning towards children’s librarianship, so I am grateful to be sharing a class with a like-minded individual who is also an inspiration.
I enjoyed reading your post and hope to keep in touch during the semester.
Sincerely,
Rae
@missmae I so appreciate this thoughtful introduction that also shares some of the obstacles you may be encountering in your current work. I was so happy to read about the love you receive from students, administration, and teachers, and how that continues to energize you, I am absolutely thrilled that you found your way to this class, and I hope you find great inspiration here. I love the photos of what happened with those shelves after the 1300 plus new books arrived. Welcome to the hyperlinked library.
@missmae, your Before and After photos illustrate a powerful story. No wonder you got the grant! You must be skilled at telling stories and using evidence. Appreciate you sharing the reality of working at a Title 1 school’s library.