Haleigh's Practicum Diary

Date: 6/22/26

Name: Haleigh Hare

Supervisor’s name: Marisa Bateman

Introduction

As a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) student completing my practicum, focusing on children’s librarianship at the West End and Georgetown Neighborhood Libraries, I have been learning about the many responsibilities involved in providing library services to children and families in an urban public library setting. Children’s librarians support early literacy, develop engaging programs, build diverse collections, and foster meaningful relationships with patrons from a wide range of backgrounds. Through this interview with my supervisor, Marisa, I hoped to gain a deeper understanding of the realities of working in youth services, the challenges and rewards of the profession, and the skills needed to build a successful career as a children’s librarian.

Question 1: What are some challenges you have observed in terms of working with a youth population in a big city?

Marisa explained that one of the biggest challenges of serving youth in Washington, DC is the diversity of the population. Families come from many different cultural, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds, and because the District borders Maryland and Virginia, many patrons travel from neighboring states to use library services. She emphasized that people use the library space for many different purposes beyond borrowing books, making it important to recognize that every patron has unique experiences and needs. Her advice was to approach every interaction with compassion and to remain mindful that no two families have the same background or expectations.

Question 2: What are some highlights of your work in the public library?

Marisa shared that some of the most rewarding parts of her job are planning and leading programs such as storytimes, STEM Club, arts and crafts activities, and after-school support for children. She especially enjoys building lasting relationships with young patrons and their families. She noted that children’s librarians are often a child’s first introduction to libraries, making it especially important to create welcoming, positive experiences that encourage lifelong library use.

Question 3: Does your day-to-day feel more concerned with collection or programming work?

Marisa explained that her responsibilities involve a balance of both collection development and programming. She completes collection management tasks daily to keep materials organized, current, and responsive to community needs. At the same time, she strategically schedules most programs during a few days of the week, allowing her to dedicate other days to collection work and other administrative responsibilities. She emphasized that maintaining this balance helps ensure that both public programming and behind-the-scenes work receive adequate attention.

Question 4: What is a piece of advice you would give to someone starting out as a children’s librarian?

Marisa encouraged new children’s librarians to manage their expectations and recognize that there will be challenges when beginning the profession. She advised easing into the role rather than trying to master everything immediately and stressed the importance of taking time to learn about the community being served. She also reminded me to prioritize self-care, noting that while the work is meaningful and important, maintaining perspective helps prevent burnout. As she put it, “we aren’t surgeons,” and it is important to remember that mistakes can become valuable learning experiences.

Question 5: How does the Georgetown Library compare with MLK, the DC Public Library main branch?

Marisa described several differences between the Georgetown Neighborhood Library and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. She explained that the MLK Library is much larger and serves a broader population, attracting visitors from across the city and surrounding region. Its departments operate more independently, each with its own management systems and workflows. She also noted that the children’s programming differs between the two locations, with MLK using a ticketing system for storytime attendance, while Georgetown relies on online reservations. Additionally, MLK has a larger collection and a more expansive children’s area, allowing for additional services and resources.

Question 6: What is one of your children’s room non-negotiables?

Marisa thought a bit before answering that one essential item in every children’s room is stickers. She explained that stickers are surprisingly effective for resolving conflicts, celebrating accomplishments, and creating positive interactions with children of all ages. Beyond that, she emphasized that a children’s collection should always reflect the community it serves by representing diverse experiences, cultures, and identities. She believes that ensuring children see themselves and others represented in library collections is a fundamental responsibility of youth services librarians.

Conclusion

This interview provided valuable insight into the day-to-day realities of children’s librarianship in both large and midsize urban public libraries. I gained a greater appreciation for the importance of empathy, flexibility, and community engagement when serving children and families from diverse backgrounds. Marisa’s advice about balancing programming with collection work, managing expectations early in a career, and creating welcoming experiences for young patrons reinforced many of the concepts I have been studying throughout my MLIS program. The interview also reminded me that successful children’s librarianship is built on meaningful relationships, thoughtful service, and a genuine commitment to supporting every child who walks through the library’s doors.