Today, I hugged greatness. I hugged Jean Craighead George. I remember reading Julie of the Wolves way back in fifth grade and thinking that it was such a cool book. Well today I met the author. Jean is 88 years old and is a Chappaqua resident (as is Hilary Clinton - it's a NICE area). The library there hosted an appreciation coffee-thing for her and had clips from a documentary about her, librarians read excerpts from her numerous books, and lots of people spoke about their love for her and her works. It was very nice. And afterwards, as a special treat, one of the nature conservatories brought in a real white wolf (teathered, of course) to kind of be a grand finale. Seriously cool. I took pictures, but they are too blurry. I guess I got too excited. Anyway, afterward, I walked right up to her and told her that I am a children's librarian and that I give out her books all the time. And then I thanked her for her incredible works of art and how I think her love of animals and life really show in her writing. Then she hugged me. I have the coolest job sometimes.
Then, when I got back to my library, this really sweet mom and her two boys came in and thanked me and the other librarian for a great summer reading program and for my Pajama Story Time. Her boys had written (and drawn) thank you cards - one is 3 and the other is 5 years old. And the mom had brought (back from her trip to Korea) a pretty little make-up bag that was hand-sewn. How nice is that?!? The best though, was the boys! They gave me a huge smile and a great big hug. They were so proud of their artwork.
Being a librarian is tough and sometimes it seems so thankless... but then you have really cool days like this one and it makes it all worth while. Forget the politics. It's all about the kids and the literature. (I had to write this up so that the next time I'm having a rough one at work, I can just look back at this post...)
4 comments:
That's so cool. I'm glad you had a chance to meet her. A Children's Librian's dream come true. It's nice to know that you're taking advantage of living near NYC and getting to do all the things you want to do there.
It's about time that you got an "atta grrrl" reward. Sounds like a great day indeed. Love ya!
Just checking in, and this is an awesome post! You have a job that I know I couldn't do, but I envy! How neat to hug Ms. George and to tell her how you felt about her writings. And congrats on getting a much deserved pat on the back! Makes the job you do worth it!
OOPS, that's me, signed in on wrong account!
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