For those of you who know me, I’ve been training to become a children’s librarian.  Towards the end of October I was called and offered a job, which after consideration I accepted, at the Bethlehem Public Library in Delmar, NY.  It is about 10 miles south of Albany proper.  I will graduate in December (God willing), have the holidays with my family and some time to regroup, then I will move to Bethlehem towards the end of January and begin working at the library on Monday, February 2nd.

I will work with one youth services director, one young adult librarian that specializes in grades 6-8, and four other children’s librarians.  Yes, that is mind-blowing.  That doesn’t include the grades 9-12 young adult librarian and the adult services librarians.  My major concentration of work will be doing programs with children under the age of 3 (can we say dream job!), weeding and ordering for various collections, working at both the adult and children’s reference desks, and doing outreach programs to day cares, preschools, etc.

While I hate the thought of leaving Buffalo and Rochester, since Albany is a little farther away than I really would have liked to go, I also understand that this is not the type of job you refuse, especially in this economic climate.  I don’t want to run around saying I will love it there and it will be my dream job, but I am cautiously optimistic.  I have visited the library, taken a tour, met the staff, and seen the area where I would be living and the people I would be serving, and I feel like I could be very happy there.  I’ve almost got a place to live secured (within the next couple weeks I’ll know for sure), we’re working on getting me a newer car (my 95 Buick has been loyal, but it’s on borrowed time), and generally setting up a life down there.  I feel that I can make a positive transition, and my parents are being really supportive and helpful.  Despite myself, I’m getting a bit excited!

So, that’s my next step.  Anyone who wants details or info when I have it, let me know and I’ll let you know as soon as I know more!