Written by Eileen Kim
I thought I knew my library. Turns out, I really didn’t.
I’ve been coming to the library for years, but becoming an intern this summer has made me realize how much I was missing. Apparently, there is a LOT more to do here than grab a book, return it three weeks later, and hope you remembered to return all of them.
This summer, I’ve gotten to see the library from a completely different perspective. I’ve gotten to see not only what happens on the other side of the front desk, but also all the different ways people actually use the library. So, I thought I would share some of the things that surprised me the most—and why I think other teens should check them out too.
1. The Library Does Way More Than I Thought
One of the biggest things I’ve noticed during my internship is how many different programs the library offers to help people in the community.
That’s how I ended up riding the public bus with my supervisor and a random group of teens during one of my shifts. Busing Basics is a program that helps teens become more comfortable and confident using public transportation. I walked in, assuming it would be a simple presentation with a quick bus ride, but it ended up being more than that. Not only did attendees learn more about the seemingly scary transit system but they also built relationships with each other, bonding over the unexpected treat of ice cream that came with the program!
Before my internship, I probably wouldn’t have thought of the library as a place where you could learn something like public transportation. But seeing programs like this made me realize that the library isn’t just about providing information through books. It can also help people learn skills they can actually use in everyday life.
And that’s just one example. There is also Teen Advisory Board, Book Groups, Homework Help, craft drop-ins and so much more, which made me realize just how much the library is doing for the community.
2. You Don’t Have to Have a Reason to Be Here
Another thing I started noticing was how differently people use the library.
Obviously, people come here to study, do homework, or find a book. But people also come in to talk with friends, play computer games, watch YouTube, or even sleep.
Before becoming an intern, I had this idea that you were supposed to have a specific reason for being at the library. But now I’ve realized that sometimes you can just…be here.
Someone might come in because they need to study. Someone else might need to use a computer. Someone might be meeting a friend. Someone might just need somewhere quiet to sit for a while.
And I think that’s part of what makes the library such an important community space. You don’t necessarily have to be there for one particular reason.
3. I Started Paying Attention to the Books I Used to Walk Past
Of course, I knew the library had a lot of books before I became an intern. But working here has made me pay attention to the collection in a completely different way.
One of the biggest things I’ve discovered is how much of an information hub the library really is. I used to think of the nonfiction section mostly as a place for school research, but during my internship, I started noticing how many books there are about things people might actually want to learn about just for themselves.
During my internship, I’ve come across books about how to choose shoes that don’t make your feet hurt, how to run properly, or 100 different ways to start a conversation that I probably wouldn’t have looked for on my own. And that’s one of the things I like about libraries: you can come in looking for one thing and leave having discovered something completely different.
There are also constantly new and interesting books coming in, so there’s always something else to find.
4. My Summer Project: Reading Around the World
One of the biggest parts of my internship has been creating my Read Around the World display.
I wanted to create something that would show people just how much you can discover through books. You don’t have to travel across the world to learn about a new place, culture, or perspective; you can start with a book.
I also wanted to make something that would encourage people to pick up a book they might not normally choose. I liked the idea of using books as a way to explore different parts of the world and discover stories and perspectives that people might not normally come across. I spent time looking through the library’s collection and finding books that represented different parts of the world, and along the way, I ended up discovering how many different places and perspectives were represented in the library’s collection.
What I like most about the project is that it isn’t just about showing people where different books are from. It’s about making them curious. Maybe someone sees a country they’ve never read about, notices a book that catches their attention, and decides to give it a try.
5. What I’m Taking Away From My Internship
After spending the summer here, I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is that the library is much more than a place where books are kept.
It’s a place where people can study, learn, connect, use resources, attend programs, discover books, or take a break. I’ve gotten to see people come into the library for completely different reasons, and all of those reasons are valid.
When I started this internship, I thought I would learn the practical skills: processing, shelving, organizing, etc. In fact, almost all of my shifts were filled with completing these tasks. But, along with the skill of being able to shelve a cart of holds in 10 minutes, came the understanding of the library’s essential role in the community.
And I think that’s probably the biggest thing I’d want other teens to take away from this: don’t underestimate your library. There’s probably more here than you realize.
So the next time you’re at the library, maybe don’t just grab the book you came in for and leave. Look around. Check out a section you’ve never visited. See what programs are happening. Sit down for a while. Talk to someone. Pick up a book you normally wouldn’t.
You might be surprised by what you find.
