#19 There is a Librarian at the end of this Book!

Who you are: Julie McKay
What you do: Children's Librarian
Where you do it: The Smithtown Library - Commack Branch. Commack, New York


LTC:Favorite book from childhood?

Julie: The Monster at the End of This Book By Jon Stone (Sesame Street Book)

LTC: What's your most memorable reference experience?

Julie: I cannot limit it to one experience. The ones that give me the most joy are the ones where a child doesn't know what he/she wants to read and is looking to me for help. I love when I am able to put a GREAT book with a child and then they come back and tell how much the liked the book.

LTC: When did you know that you wanted to become a librarian?

Julie: I didn't know I wanted to be a librarian until I was half way through college. I was going to school to be a teacher and realized that wasn't want made me happy. I realized that I love working with children and I loved to read books, so I knew being a librarian was a good match for me!

LTC: Something they didn't tell you when you were in school to get your degree in library science?

Julie: How to tame a group of 3 -5 year olds during story time.

LTC: What's one thing you wish more people knew about libraries and what they do?

Julie: I wish people knew what it takes to have a library and what we do to have all the services that are offered. Librarians don't just sit at the desk and read all day. The only thing I get to read at the desk is reviews on books. Many people say they want to work in a library because they just want to be able to read all day. Too bad they have no clue how hard everyone in the library works, so that when patrons comes in they receive all the services that they want and need.

LTC: What's in your netflix/video rental que?

Julie: Well I don't use netflix or go to the video rental store. I utilize my public library to get the movies I want to see. I currently have 5 DVDs on hold on my library card. They are: Chicken Little, Fun with Dick & Jane, Brokeback Mountain, Rent and In Her Shoes.


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I have observed some children's librarians taming a group of 3 to 5 year olds during storytime. I am now convinced that it can't be taught. It's an artform. Very similar to combining mastery of technology, books and resources with being able to provide really great customer service to the public. Librarians do this everyday!

--Amy