Image credit: Chelsey Williams
Lifelong Learning I Quality of Life
A piece of the Bull Street Library has been with me and will continue to be with me.
My mother introduced me to the Bull Street Library as a child for storytelling or exploring the stacks in the children's library. Visits to the library became infrequent once the Bull Street Library closed for renovations. When the Bull Street Library reopened around the year 2000, they ensured that all generations had access to the Internet and Microsoft Office.
As I reflect, the library demonstrated ingenuity by keeping Xennials at the heart of its mission. They created and hired Computer Technician Interns. This position targeted high school and college-aged persons for part-time work to support basic technical troubleshooting of computers and assisting library patrons with navigating the world wide web. Being one of the first hired Computer Technician Interns (or Techies as we were referred to) is an experience that contributed to my growth socially and professionally.
The library taught me how to remain professional and patient. It gave me the ability to multitask as I balanced work, school, extracurricular activities, and college applications. I met amazing individuals--both employees and patrons of the library.
My experiences at the library conveyed to me that a career working with people was of interest. I learned about spam filters and computer viruses, instructed persons how to create their first email account, and provided general support with school assignments. Assisting patrons to master computer technology helped me to learn the importance of rapport building and engagement with others. This opportunity and similar others resulted in my decision to pursue a career as a social worker.
Live Oak Public Libraries took a chance on me as an inquisitive, eager, 16-year-old. The library taught me how to remain professional and patient. It gave me the ability to multitask as I balanced work, school, extracurricular activities, and college applications. I met amazing individuals--both employees and patrons of the library.
Through my academic and professional journey, I never hesitate to mention my first job at the library. As a Doctor of Social Work and university professor, I find solace and refuge in the library for my research, studying, and writing. Whether it's maintaining a library card, utilizing interlibrary loans, or asking for assistance with genealogy research, I've learned that no matter the time or space, a piece of the Bull Street Library has been with me and will continue to be with me.
~ ZaDonna
Bull Street Library Customer
September 27, 2021
