So, it’s my third summer as a children’s librarian, and my second summer running a summer reading program from the new library building.  And I’ll probably jinx myself by putting this in type…but so far this summer has been very pleasant.  Very pleasant.  It’s a combination of me feeling at ease with the massive amount of work involved in running a summer reading program, and the patrons’ ease with me and with the changes that I made to the summer reading system.

Now that I’m not thoroughly weighed down by the summer tasks, I’m able to really enjoy the different pace of summer in a library.  I love getting to talk to each child who comes in to “cash” in their reading hours, and I love that entering the childrens’ hours in the computer allows me to get a handle on each child’s name.  I love the stories that parents tell me about what a difference the summer incentives have made in the reading habits of their child.  I love the fantastic performers who are coming to the library, and that the generous support of the Friends of the library allows us to provide great programming for free.  I love the squeals of delight when I call kids to let them know that they’re a raffle winner.   And I really love that the collection in the children’s room is brimming with new wonderful books that are inspiring kids to read.  It’s really incredibly awesome to be at the center of all this activity, and to be mellow enough to enjoy it. 

I wonder what the fourth summer will be like?