by Zach Miller
Quick Summary
In every Minnesota community, there's a library. And in every library, you will find workers dedicated to the betterment of their neighbor's lives. That's why the most important resource in a library is not its books, but the people who work there. Soon, Marianne Adamek, currently an MLIS student at St. Catherine University, will be one of them.
What is one thing you've learned at St. Kate's about libraries that surprised you?
Every class in my MLIS program at St. Kate's has been very enlightening! From learning the good and bad of library history, the place librarians hold in the very important fight for social justice and equality, to the collaborative nature of libraries and their staff (something Minitex is a perfect example of), I've loved every minute of it.
What made you want to become a librarian?
Growing up as a library kid, libraries of all types have always been some of my favorite places. So, part of my desire to be a librarian is to spend a lot of time surrounded by books (selfishly); the other part of my desire to be a librarian comes from a passion for helping others. After graduation, I want to be a youth librarian and collaborate with my peers to create programming that welcomes, inspires, and serves the needs of my community's kids, teens, and their families.
Can you share a story about how the library had a positive impact on your life, or the life of someone you know?
When the COVID-19 lockdown occurred, I was a few months into my maternity leave with my daughter. I'm sure many parents can relate to the struggles that came from being cut off from most of their outside connections and resources. I was so impressed and grateful for the amazing work done by the library workers of Scott County, who quickly rallied together to plan and implement a curbside pick-up for loans. Those pick-ups of books and kids' materials from the library were a bright spot of enrichment and connection for my entire family. Thanks to our local library, since the library doors have reopened, we continue to enjoy science time, reading to service dogs, and so much more.
