I believe that being a Librarian is more than a job, it is a vocation. As a Librarian, I have a responsibility to connect with people, represent my community and assist in any way that I can in promoting a stronger community through the Library. I believe that I am a Librarian 24/7. Once a year, at Prom Plus, I get to validate the commitment to the 24.

I have always been a strong advocate of programming and outreach. I know how important it is from personal experience. When I was in the 6th grade, I went to the one and only program that I was aware that our local library offered--ever. My friends and I watched Riki Tiki Tavi in the meeting room, sitting on the floor, the clicking of the projector in the background--it was magical. This memory guides me as I endeavor to create lasting memories for my community.

When I was the Library Manager in Canyon Country, I was walking along one Saturday afternoon and I heard from across the street: "Hey, Library Lady! Hey, Library Lady!" I looked over to see couple of the semi-bad boys that frequented the library after school. They seemed so excited to see me outside of the box they believed I lived in. At the corner, they crossed over and I had the opportunity to remind them that we had a couple of upcoming programs that they wouldn't want to miss. I realized then how important being in the community and part of the community is as a Librarian. I am the library 24/7 and my actions impact how others view the library. I have chosen to live in the community I serve and in doing so, I have accepted that I am the Library Lady. Since programs--no matter how wonderful they may be or how much work you put in them--do not exist if no one knows about them; as a Librarian, I need to make others aware of what the library offers. Opportunities can arise anywhere and anytime.

Being a Librarian 7 days a week is easy. I can connect with people on my days off and after hours as I live my life. One rainy Thursday I was at Starbucks. While waiting with a couple with twins in an a stroller for our drinks, I struck up a conversation. They told me that they usually go to the park on Thursday but couldn't that day. I let them know that they could try the library as we had Family Play Date on Thursdays. A couple of weeks later, I was in the children's library when a young woman came up to me. I recognized her as the mother of the twins. She told me that she had been coming to the library on Thursdays with her twins since we had spoken in Starbucks and was grateful for the program.

Being a Librarian 24 hours a day is a bit trickier but once a year, I volunteer to assist with Prom Plus from midnight until about 6 o'clock in the morning. Prom Plus is an annual prom after party that gives teens a fun and safe venue to go to after one of their most memorable events in high school.

Prom Plus was the community response to a tragedy: "Berlyn Cosman, a Crescenta Valley High School student was murdered in 1991 at an unsupervised, post prom hotel party. The response to this tragedy was the creation of an event for seniors after the dance, something that would keep our kids local and safe, yet still provide them with a fun time. This event is Prom Plus. As an alternative to an unchaperoned party, Prom Plus offers a supervised post prom event held at the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA. Since 1993, from midnight to 5:00 a.m., Prom Plus has provided a variety of things for attendees to do, including a full casino with Blackjack, Poker, Craps, Roulette, Pool Tables, Ping-Pong, Photo Booths, DJ, Gyroscope, Acroflight, DDR, Mechanical Bull, Rock Climbing Wall, Balloon Artist, Arcade Games, Caricatures, Temporary Tattoos, Music, Dancing, Food Court (pizza, sandwiches, hors d’oeuvres, fresh fruit, freshly baked cookies, smoothies, coffee, soda) AND breakfast. Prizes, plus much more. Admission is included in the cost of a prom ticket. However, Prom Plus is open to all seniors regardless whether or not they attend the prom." And lots of food--I mean a massive amount of food.

For the past 4 years I have volunteered to help with Prom Plus. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with stakeholders. From the early AM conversations, we learn more about each other. Last year, I connected with the local Deputy and we discussed the library taking part in National Night Out again. He let me know that the outreach position would be turning over soon, but he would make sure that the library's contact information would be passed along. This year, I spent the evening between making quesadillas with Lyn discussing Lego League.

With Prom Plus, I can honestly say that I am committed to serving my community and representing the library 24/7--but thank goodness it is only once a year!

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