What is a good community? A good community is one that acknowledges, supports, and nurtures the individuals within the group. The community takes care of
each individual within its community. In today’s society, we don’t see as many small community events like we once did; perhaps in the rural areas but not so much in the urban areas, but togetherness is needed, and I dare say we long for good communities. Nowadays, sometimes we don’t even know who our neighbors are. I remember growing up in a small city but we had a good community. I remember walking down to one of our neighbor’s houses because she housed our ‘sweet shop’; we could buy all sorts of goodies from Ms. Hill’s house; the kids loved it. Back then a few coins sure would buy a lot of ‘essentials’: chips, candy, frozen cups, and of course pickles. Now, we protect our children from visiting neighbors because we don’t know who they are.
Similarly in our profession, we must develop a community of colleagues we can depend upon for support and growth. (You know I love a good old saying.) John Donne, 17th century English poet, said, “No man is an island, entire of itself” floats to the front of my brain and with today’s generative technology, lively work schedules, and even busier children’s activities sometimes we settle into island life. But the rest of Donne’s quote admonishes us to realize “every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main”. In order for each of us to be a survivor on the island of life ( I can’t believe the show is coming upon its 45th season), we need each other. Life should not be a competition, and although Americans love a good reality show we are not castaways and no one is handing out prize money. We need a real community to contend for the greatest prizes–love, compassion, and fulfillment.
Libraries provide community through a physical space assisting all who travel through its doors looking not only for books and knowledge but a sense of belonging. Recently, I was touched by a hilarious comedian-teacher, Briana Richardson’s Honest Teacher Vibes, who shares her stories about teaching openly on TikTok, Instagram and/or YouTube. She talks about her struggles when she had health challenges as a result of a stressful teaching assignment and she describes her return to teaching in a new school. I note two things in her videos (in between my laughter) she talks about libraries on two different occasions. During Why I Quit My Teaching Job (Part 1), she details how the library was a special place for her to get some needed emotional support, and in My First Full Week Back in the Classroom, she talks about rebuilding her classroom library so that students can have the books they want to read. Honest Teacher Vibes (Ms. Richardson) is talking about her community; but more importantly she details how a teacher colleague would not let her take home work over a 3 day weekend. That’s what community is truly about; checking on each other and showing genuine care.
I am proud of my community. In my previous blog, I told you I am in a fire ( I am still there, and by the way it did heat up ten times more); however, I knew I was able to call on my community. In addition to daily devotion, I was also able to call on a trusted friend to pray for me. Her first response was “I got you my sister.” Her second response sent later that night reminds me who I belong to and who I am through encouraging scriptures. We all need strong, supportive uplifting community members.
Professionally, this is a difficult time for librarians across our country and even globally due to budget cuts, book bans, and general misunderstanding about our profession. So, I encourage you to stay or get connected to your community. Yes, connect to your campus community; that’s truly important, but you should also reach outside of your campus and solicit professional friendships with other colleagues who understand and can identify with your struggles. Sharing your struggle with others lifts you up, and lifts them up; both librarians understand the unique roles we play in the school and an exchange of hearts begins and both parties feel more attached. I recently attended an American Association of School Librarians (AASL) online town hall meeting; the topic Finding Joy in the Journey was a timely one and many of the librarians shared ways they deal with the good and the not so good, but they did it together–that’s community. No one should be alone or feel alone. Ever.
Another benefit of community is trading of knowledge. As we discuss our ups and downs, each individual may learn a new technique for handling a lost book, a new to you method to manage technology devices, or revisit a previous approach to build literacy communities schoolwide. Today, if you have not already, discover your community. It may be time to rebuild, revamp, or expand ensuring you have all your needed tools to make the journey a successful one. Whether it’s professional or personal or both, have your go-to friends around you; we are in this together. Don’t be ashamed or fearful to let them know, “hey, I need help.” If you locate the right community; they’ll be there exactly when you need them. Like my pastor said recently, we all need friends. We are created for fellowship. The good book says, “Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.” (MSG) Now, join me in listening to the oldie but goodie, song by Bill Withers, Lean On Me.
Lighting the way,
Fiya Librarian
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