Spend a Day with a Library Worker: Youth Librarian Adrienne Washington

Written by Alli Jacobs, Youth Librarian, Mt. Healthy Branch Library

When people hear the word “library” a few things typically come to mind, namely librarians and books. But a library is run by people working in many different roles. They’re all helping community members with much more than book recommendations. Our series Spend a Day with a Library Worker, opens a new window, takes you inside the lives of our library staff in different roles and follows them on a typical workday.

Meet Adrienne Washington, one of CHPL’s newest Youth Librarians. Adrienne began her career as a Library Customer Advisor while she was studying for her Masters in Library and Information Science degree. As soon as she checked “getting my MLIS degree” off of her to-do list she began looking for opportunities to work as a librarian. The Mt. Washington Branch Library was hiring a Youth Librarian who specializes in teen services and Adrienne jumped at the chance to apply. Shortly after, she was offered the position and able to realize her dream of becoming a full-time librarian.

A Day in the Life

Adrienne starts most of her mornings getting the branch ready to open for the day. She, along with her team at the Mt. Washington Branch Library, pull holds for patrons, processes the daily delivery of books and other materials, and checks in items that were returned overnight. From there Adrienne plans her programs and displays. In honor of Black History Month, Adrienne has curated a display of nonfiction graphic novels that speak to the Black Experience. She chose graphic novels that talk about historic events like the March on Washington, the Black Panther Party, and even procured a book about the history of rap.

All About Community

Like most of the staff at CHPL, one of her favorite aspects of her job is building connections with customers. She’s already well on her way to being an integral part of the Mt. Washington community. Though she's only been at that branch for a very short time she already has regulars and knows their names. In fact, the best part of her day is when she's working at the desk and chatting with customers about their day or their favorite books, movies, and music.

Following Her Dream

One of Adrienne’s greatest champions has been her father. He always told her to make a career doing something that makes her happy. Sadly, he passed away last year. Her journey to becoming a librarian is all the more remarkable considering the immense loss she went through. Now, Adrienne can confidently say that she has made her dad’s hopes for his daughter come true.

Interested in serving minds of all kinds at CHPL? Check out our current job openings, opens a new window.