How have libraries changed your life? Do you have a story to share? We would love to hear your story. You can email us at guernsey@4cls.org. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — Libraries change lives. I was seventeen when libraries changed mine. Before seventeen, I did not have much interest in libraries. I would visit occasionally for a school visit and that was the extent of it. That was until my friend asked me to volunteer at the school library. It was there that I discovered not only how much I loved going to the library, but also how much I loved working at them.

I went on to have many library jobs after my volunteer job at the school library. In fact, the school librarian was able to help me get my first job as a Library Page at the local public library. When I was lost as to what I wanted to do career-wise, it was my manager at the local public library that suggested I become a librarian.

I remember she said, “You would be good Librarian.” I went on to get my Master’s in Library Science and I have been a Youth Services Librarian for 22 years. I love my job because I get to be at the library every day.

How have libraries changed your life? Do you have a story to share? We would love to hear your story. You can email us at guernsey@4cls.org or if you are a teenager between the ages of 13 and 17, we have a special contest designed specifically for you.

We are having a 2022 Teen Tik Tok Video Contest in which you will create an original video on the Celebrate Libraries theme. Entries should be submitted by Monday, October 31. Teens will have the opportunity to win gift cards to Dunkin Donuts, Subway, and Walmart.

For more information please visit the Guernsey Memorial Library or email no.kim@4cls.org Let’s show everyone why libraries should be celebrated.

-By Kim Hazen, Guernsey Library Youth Services Librarian