One dark and lonely night (we have a lot of those around here), I came upon the movie The Bucket List. I had never heard that expression before. A little research shows that there is not agreement on how old this phrase is. Some believe it originated with the movie. Others feel it has been around longer. But all agree, it is based on the phrase "kicking the bucket.
For those of you who haven't heard of this, the "bucket list" is that list of things you want to see or do before you "kick the bucket," ...er...die.
So here is my "bucket list," from a librarian's point of view:
Before I die, I would like to see the librarian stereotype go away.
Throughout my career, when I have replied to the question about what I did for a living, I have had to hear comments like these:
"You don't look like a librarian,"
or
"You must read a lot of books (at work),"
or
"Shhhhh," (followed by chuckling because for some reason people get a kick out of themselves by saying that. I, on the other hand, do not enjoy it).
Since I interact with librarians on a daily basis and see the diversity that makes up the profession, it makes me wonder, "What is a librarian supposed to look like?" But ask the "civilian," and nine times out of ten, you would probably hear described an intimidating, dowdy spinster whose only goal in life is to hush people up and be disapproving.
So my ultimate "bucket list" goal would be to see a movie starring a librarian as a superhero, flying about protecting people's free speech and right to read, pummeling censorship and basically teaching people good manners.
She is glamorous, yet practical (yes, it's a woman...we deserve superhero status), plucky (I love that word) and witty. She is also well-read (though she would never dream of reading books on the job), not just in the classics, but in popular culture as well. And she can match the "right book to the right person at the right time." She never shushes anyone, though when battling the forces of evil, she sometimes must be blunt. As she stares down the bad guy, she says , "If you had just read that book I recommended, none of this would have happened!"
I would like to see libraries viewed as educational institutions instead of the often mistaken view that we are only recreational entities.
Yes, people come to us for recreational reading and entertainment DVDs, but we are also instrumental in getting children started on the road to literacy, well before they enter kindergarten. We offer homework help to children and teens in school, and we are there for the adult lifelong learner who needs to learn new skills. When the money is handed out by the powers that be, it should be a no brainer that libraries are as important as schools. I have seen libraries closed as funding was reduced. Thanks to the voters of Snohomish County, that hasn't happened to us here at Sno-Isle Libraries, but for every library system like Sno-isle Libraries, there is one laying people off and closing its doors.
This shouldn't happen in a country where education and literacy is so prized.
I would like to leave this world with the knowledge that every man, woman and child not only uses the library, but knows what the library has to offer.
I never again want to hear someone nervously say to me, "I haven't been in a library in years" or "Why do I need the library?"
I have always thought that if people really knew what we offered, they would be pounding down our doors.
We offer quality databases (and these are not the same as going on the Internet) that would help small business owners make more money, that include free online newspapers and magazines and information on a myriad of topics to help people with their research and daily lives. We offer downloadable ebooks, classes to help people with their English, computer classes, family events, meeting rooms, I could go on and on. All free and open to all.
But for some reason, despite hard work and attention to this, for every person who uses the library, there are several more who not only don't use the library, they have no idea all that we offer.
Why do you think that is? What do you we need to do to put libraries at the forefront of people's minds?
As a librarian, these issues are on my professional "bucket list."
But I am also human, so I have my personal "bucket list" too.
And, as usual, I am compelled to share.
Win "The Amazing Race"with my husband as we bicker our way around the world.
Kiss Tom Cruise (platonically, of course) - Do you see a pattern here? - (He had me at "Taps").
(He's the cute one in the red beret.)
Become a famous character actress (I've missed my chance to be an ingenue, I guess).
Write a juicy best-selling book about what really goes on at the library.
Star as "the old one" on "Big Brother"and win or "Survivor" where I "Outwit, Outplay, and Outlast" them all wearing adorable swimsuits and cute sandals. (It's easy to lose weight on "Survivor".)
Find out that face lifts don't hurt (and I can get one for free).
Become fluent in Italian and drive my own boat glamourously through the canals of Venice as I head to my villa.
Become a YouTube star (I am sure I could think of something stupid enough to do to get myself on there), and be interviewed by Oprah who then asks me to become her best friend. And she gives me my own show.
Sigh. I guess those aren't very realistic - I guess that's my "dream" bucket list.
More realistically, if I can live near enough to my children that I can often enjoy them and any grandchildren who arrive, travel to Europe when I get the urge, stay well enough to bicycle in the Cotswolds, live comfortably, continue to make and keep good friends and hear more people say,
"I go to the library all of the time. I don't know what I would do without libraries."
and
"I think librarians are cool. You look just like one!"
Then I could die happy.
For those of you who haven't heard of this, the "bucket list" is that list of things you want to see or do before you "kick the bucket," ...er...die.
So here is my "bucket list," from a librarian's point of view:
Before I die, I would like to see the librarian stereotype go away.
Throughout my career, when I have replied to the question about what I did for a living, I have had to hear comments like these:
"You don't look like a librarian,"
or
"You must read a lot of books (at work),"
or
"Shhhhh," (followed by chuckling because for some reason people get a kick out of themselves by saying that. I, on the other hand, do not enjoy it).
Since I interact with librarians on a daily basis and see the diversity that makes up the profession, it makes me wonder, "What is a librarian supposed to look like?" But ask the "civilian," and nine times out of ten, you would probably hear described an intimidating, dowdy spinster whose only goal in life is to hush people up and be disapproving.
So my ultimate "bucket list" goal would be to see a movie starring a librarian as a superhero, flying about protecting people's free speech and right to read, pummeling censorship and basically teaching people good manners.
She is glamorous, yet practical (yes, it's a woman...we deserve superhero status), plucky (I love that word) and witty. She is also well-read (though she would never dream of reading books on the job), not just in the classics, but in popular culture as well. And she can match the "right book to the right person at the right time." She never shushes anyone, though when battling the forces of evil, she sometimes must be blunt. As she stares down the bad guy, she says , "If you had just read that book I recommended, none of this would have happened!"
I would like to see libraries viewed as educational institutions instead of the often mistaken view that we are only recreational entities.
Yes, people come to us for recreational reading and entertainment DVDs, but we are also instrumental in getting children started on the road to literacy, well before they enter kindergarten. We offer homework help to children and teens in school, and we are there for the adult lifelong learner who needs to learn new skills. When the money is handed out by the powers that be, it should be a no brainer that libraries are as important as schools. I have seen libraries closed as funding was reduced. Thanks to the voters of Snohomish County, that hasn't happened to us here at Sno-Isle Libraries, but for every library system like Sno-isle Libraries, there is one laying people off and closing its doors.
This shouldn't happen in a country where education and literacy is so prized.
I would like to leave this world with the knowledge that every man, woman and child not only uses the library, but knows what the library has to offer.
I never again want to hear someone nervously say to me, "I haven't been in a library in years" or "Why do I need the library?"
I have always thought that if people really knew what we offered, they would be pounding down our doors.
We offer quality databases (and these are not the same as going on the Internet) that would help small business owners make more money, that include free online newspapers and magazines and information on a myriad of topics to help people with their research and daily lives. We offer downloadable ebooks, classes to help people with their English, computer classes, family events, meeting rooms, I could go on and on. All free and open to all.
But for some reason, despite hard work and attention to this, for every person who uses the library, there are several more who not only don't use the library, they have no idea all that we offer.
Why do you think that is? What do you we need to do to put libraries at the forefront of people's minds?
As a librarian, these issues are on my professional "bucket list."
But I am also human, so I have my personal "bucket list" too.
And, as usual, I am compelled to share.
(He's the cute one in the red beret.)
Sigh. I guess those aren't very realistic - I guess that's my "dream" bucket list.
More realistically, if I can live near enough to my children that I can often enjoy them and any grandchildren who arrive, travel to Europe when I get the urge, stay well enough to bicycle in the Cotswolds, live comfortably, continue to make and keep good friends and hear more people say,
"I go to the library all of the time. I don't know what I would do without libraries."
and
"I think librarians are cool. You look just like one!"
Then I could die happy.
6 comments:
Awesome! Though I think reading on the job should be a must. Too bad there is never time for that.
You've done it again, Rosy. What a fabulous take on bucket lists! That sounds so much better than 'to do' list, doesn't it? As for busting the image we have as librarians, I'm reminded of Gloria Steinem's reply when she was told she didn't look like she was 50 (several years ago). She said, 'Well, I'm afraid this is what 50 looks like!'
I do go to the library all the time, and I don't know what I would do without it! I would like to be a librarian someday, after my kids are grown. I think it would be the perfect career. I wouldn't need to read on the job, think of all the books I could find to take home! Oh, and if they ever make your movie, I will be in line at the theaters.
What a wonderful write up. I enjoyed reading every single bit of it. Please continue to write some more. I worked for years at a library in Michigan and can empathsize with much of what you wrote. Keep writing.
People seldom say to me "you don't look like a librarian" (maybe I do look like one), they usually say, "oh, you must be really smart." (I guess I don't look smart).
I LOVE my library. When times are tough economically, I can leave the library feeling rich in books, beautiful art books and picture books, novels to provide an escape , research for my artwork( I can find pictures of most anything), & research for our vacations. The library has helped me find some wonderful places. I can research it there, without having to buy a pile of travel guides every time we go .I enjoy the recommended books that my librarians like , and know I will probably enjoy it . Librarians are my heros!!
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