Linda Abby Fein was a colleague and supervisor of mine for many years at the Free Library of Philadelphia. She is one of maybe three people that I look up to with the greatest respect and admiration and hers was a great influence in making me the librarian I am today. Quoted below is a statement she made on the occasion of her retirement from the Free Library:
"Whether you are working for the Free Library because it is a profession or because it is a job, whether you can deal with or whether you hate the bureaucratic red tape and the political rankling that is a part of being a governmental unit, whenever you feel that everything in your worklife is going to rack and ruin, please be proud that you work for one of the most equalizing if not the most equalizing of all institutions – the public library.
One goes to a public health center if one is sick; there usually is no program for those who are well. One goes to a rec center if one is sports-inclined, if there is a craft program, if there is a town meeting; there is no appeal for someone who is not athletically or manually adept. One goes into a store, but unless one has money one doesn't come away with anything. One goes into a public library – any age, any interest, any talent, and for free, as long as one acts a socially acceptable way – one can come out with ideas in hard copy or in your mind that can make one happier, more informed, more challenged and better able to handle life.
The people who come into your agencies are feeling the same stresses as you. They don't know that you can help them make their lives a little better. Show them.
And, when you are looking back at your years with the Free Library, as I am, feel the satisfaction of knowing that, as corny as it is, you, in your profession or in your job, you have made a difference."
~~Linda Abby Fein
On the last day of her 37+ year career as a Children’s Librarian and Administrator
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2 comments:
Thanks for the reminder, Jeff!
A friend of mine just interviewed me as part of her library school application. (I know - what will they think of next?!) In response to a question about the most rewarding aspects of my job, I wrote the following:
"It is such a kindness to know that you are making a small difference in the lives of children who have a lot of strikes against them, even if you're just adding a little joy to their day with silly songs during storytime or by helping them find the new Hannah Montana book or paying them five minutes of undivided attention. I'm not cut out to be a social worker, but I'm so glad I've found a career that matches my gifts with what I feel is a very valuable social service to children and adults alike."
Maybe it sounds Pollyanna-ish, but I hope I can remain as in tune with the library's mission as Libby 37 years down the road!
Thanks, Kate. You're the kind of person that most certainly will "remain in tune." You might pick up a minor key or two to add to your harmony, but you'll still be in tune. ~Jeff :o)
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