Hi friends!
Hannah, Teen Services Librarian, here! Though it has been a blast and an honor to serve this mighty community for the past two years, I am sad to say that my time at Skidompha is coming to an end. I have always joked with our director, Matthew, that there would truly have to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make me leave my home away from home, but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has come along.
I’m beyond excited to be starting a Masters of Information degree at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia this September. Though “Master of Information” sounds more like a jedi-esque character in a fantasy novel, my degree will focus primarily on libraries and how to bring accurate and accessible information to the public. I’m on the thesis track, and will specifically be studying the effects of screen time management strategies in rural teen populations of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. I hear from our teens that they want more agency in their screen time, but they also value it as a way to connect to people outside of their community and gain new perspectives. This research will be for them, hopefully helping to shape positive changes.
I always try to emphasize to my teens that no idea is too big nor too grand to pursue. Four years ago, I was working as a timber cruising forester in Aroostook County when I started daydreaming about becoming a librarian. Fast forward a year later, at the state’s youth services conference, Reading Round Up. I attended a session led by our former Children’s Librarian, Kristi. She was was presenting about Skidompha’s animal-themed book clubs, one of which made tutus for chickens (seriously, how cool!). From there, I started to daydream about working at Skidompha: a library whose name brought immense wonder and respect. Another year later, I couldn’t believe I was starting as the Adult Services Librarian here. During that time, I saw the teens’ love, their distinct humor, adaptability, creativity, and resilience, and made the decision to switch my responsibilities to the Teen Room.
I’ve spent the past year-and-change building the Teen Room and fostering the growing Skidompha Teen population. It has brought me so much joy. Every day I’d spend the morning looking forward to my patrons coming through the doors, making me laugh, telling me about their days, playing D&D or just taking a moment to rest. Those are the moments I’ll miss most.
Leaving Skidompha is one of the hardest things I’ve done: it is truly my happy place, and I’ve loved serving this community; but I also have a passion for research and experiencing new and diverse communities. It’s important to always keep learning and growing, and I hope my move inspires teens to do the same!
My last day will be this Saturday, August 15th. I hope you stop in to say goodbye, meet the new and lovely Teen Librarian Vivian, and take an extra minute to appreciate the teens and their space. Our teens are important to our community and to Skidompha. They enrich us and have a place in both spaces, and help make each so special. I appreciate them all. I cannot thank you all enough for shaping the wonderful experience I’ve had at Skidompha. Now off to Canada!
With Gratitude,
Hannah
Hannah Doktor
Teen Services Librarian
Skidompha Public Library