Book Festival
After two years of planning, the Fox Cities Book Festival was held this weekend. Almost every event had more people than we expected. It was a wonderful testament to the power of poetry and books in people's lives.
I was lucky enough to be the planner of the children's area at the Book Fair on Saturday. It was a huge success with over 400 people coming through that day. Books had been donated by School Specialty to give away to children, we had passes to the children's museum, and stories throughout the day.
It was so much fun. Best of all, it reminded me of why I loved working service desks. There is an energy about public service, a connection that is made, a chance for that moment to reach across and make someone's day and even life better if a risk is taken, a smile given, and nothing is expected in return.
And so I must return to a plan I had a year ago to work rotations on service desks at the library. It works on so many levels, getting me in touch with the people we serve, understanding workflow and needs. And, most selfishly, revitalizing my connection to others, energizing my day, and reminding me in every positive way why I am a public librarian and public servant.
What more could one ask from a single Book Festival? I guess I'll just have to wait for next year to answer that.