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Naomi House’s interview with success story Christy.

Naomi:  How did you find your current job?
Christy:  I started to volunteer at my local library about nine months ago. I made it clear to them that this is what I wanted as a career, and they told me they would keep an eye out for job openings for me. (Even at other libraries.) Finally, a few hours a week opened up and they offered them to me.

Naomi:  Favorite library you have been to?
Christy:  I know it’s biased but I really do love the library I work in now. It used to be a tiny little one- story building until a few years ago. They’ve since remodeled and it is just lovely. It even has a cozy fireplace on the bottom floor for the cold nights! I think no matter where I end up in the future, my first library will always have a special place in my heart.

Naomi:  Favorite book?
Christy:  The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly. It’s the first in a series of books that follow the Finnegan siblings but each book can stand alone as well. I’m a sucker for historical fiction!

Naomi:  Favorite thing about libraries/ library technology?
Christy:  I’m still a newbie in the library scene but so far my favorite thing about libraries is that look I get when I help a kid or young adult find a book they’ve been searching for. When I was younger I remember being so disappointed when I couldn’t find a book I wanted, and I was much too shy to ask a librarian or an assistant for help. But that’s what we’re there for! And I love being the reason for a happy face.

Naomi:  Any websites or feeds or blogs we should be following?
Christy:  I’m partial to Tumblr as a whole, and Ms. Kate Tkacik (http://thelifeguardlibrarian.tumblr.com) is sort of the de facto leader of the librarian movement on Tumblr. She even has a list of librarians and library school students she keeps up to date called “Tumblarians”. Mental Floss also frequently has some great library-related articles.

Naomi:  Best piece of job hunting advice?
Christy:  Volunteer! Even if it doesn’t lead to a job right away, you’re making connections which are very important. The librarians I work with are so sweet and helpful and seem excited that this is the career I have chosen. They’ve encouraged me in every way possible and even though I’ve been working with them less than a year, I owe them so much already.

My name is Christy Herndon, and I work part time at my local library. I haven’t been able to find full-time library work yet so I’m also a part time receptionist. I have my Bachelor’s in English from ETSU, and I’m planning on getting my Master’s in Library Science soon. (Not sure where yet!) Right now I work as a reference desk assistant but I’ve been leaning towards being a young adult librarian career-wise. I do enjoy helping the reference librarians in any way I can though. Helping them with research on microfilm or re-shelving books are probably my favorite things to do.