Alaina Cathcart is a junior at Darrington High School who has been part of the Darrington community since 2023. She worked as a teen intern at the Darrington Library in Summer 2026.
Before starting my internship, I mostly thought about libraries as places where people come to find books, use computers, or attend events. But after spending time working behind the scenes, I’ve learned that there is so much more that goes into keeping a library running. This internship has given me the chance to learn new skills, meet new people, and see everything that happens beyond the library shelves.
What Surprised Me
One of the biggest things that surprised me was just how much behind-the-scenes work goes into keeping a library running smoothly.
There is a massive web of people working together to support libraries and library programs. Sno-Isle Libraries oversees 23 libraries and nearly 500 employees, and there are so many different jobs that help make everything possible. There are library associates, circulation and delivery staff, IT and information technology teams, finance, etc.
Seeing all of these different roles helped me realize that a library is much more than the people you see at the front desk. There are people sorting and transporting books, managing technology, organizing programs, communicating with the community, handling finances, and doing countless other jobs that visitors may never see. Everyone has an important part in making sure the library can serve its community.
My Favorite Parts of the Internship
Some of my favorite parts of the internship have been sorting incoming deliveries, shelving and organizing the collections, but most of all just helping people.
I especially enjoy sorting deliveries because it gives me the chance to see all of the books and materials coming into the library and figure out where everything needs to go. Shelving and organizing the collection has also helped me become more familiar with how the library is organized.
Another task I enjoy is pulling requested titles, or RTFs. It’s rewarding to find a book that someone has requested and know that I’m helping get that book into their hands.
What I’ve Learned
This opportunity has helped me grow in so many ways. I’ve learned how a library functions, from completing everyday tasks to understanding the many different roles that help keep it running.
I’ve also learned how important it is to be a fast learner. Not every task is something you know how to do immediately, so being willing to ask questions, listen, and learn has been an important part of my experience.
One of the biggest things I’ve gained is experience interacting with different people. Working at the library has helped me practice my social skills and become more comfortable meeting and talking with new people. I know those skills will be useful in future jobs, school, and everyday life.
What Teens Should Know About the Library
One thing I really want other teens to know is that libraries offer so much more than just books. The library is a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone is encouraged to feel comfortable and included. It is free and open to the public, with resources like computers, printers, digital media, information, events, and programs.
The staff are also there to help answer questions, find resources, and make everyone feel welcome. Whether you love reading, prefer other types of media, or don’t consider yourself a big reader, there is probably something at the library that you can enjoy or benefit from.
My Favorite Experiences
Some of my favorite experiences during my internship have been visiting the Service (SRV) Center, helping with library events, and getting to spend time and connect with the community seniors.
Visiting the SRV Center gave me the opportunity to meet and spend time with some of the amazing people who work there. I also enjoyed helping with library events because it allowed me to see another side of how the library connects with the community.
This internship has taught me so much about how the library works and finding new ways to help. I want to continue building my skills, meeting people, and trying new things.
I’m very grateful that I’ve had this opportunity as a teenager. If you’re a teen and you ever get the chance to participate in an internship, I truly recommend taking it. You may learn things you never expected, meet people you wouldn’t have met otherwise, and gain experience that can help you far beyond your internship.
My time at Darrington Library has shown me that there is so much more to a library than what you see on the shelves—and I’m excited to keep learning what happens behind the scenes.
