Library Aide

Hello, friend! I have good news to share. The Alexandria Library hired me as a Library Aide. I’m blessed to be in a position to work in a library. God does much good in those sacred spaces.

I filled out the paperwork with Human Resources yesterday. I’m so excited! I start next week on Tuesday, September 7, 2021. The promise will come to pass, God-willing. I’m grateful to contribute to such a diverse community.

I visited the library where I’m assigned and I noticed most of the staff was Caucasian. Many were blond and beautiful. While I am black and beautiful, I knew in that moment that I had a choice to make: acceptance and embrace or separation and alienation. I chose the former not the latter. I leaned into my new work environment and found strength from within. I possess immense resolve. Life is beautiful - that’s my belief. The beauty is that many of the staff members enjoyed working in libraries because of the same important principles that led me to enter the field of library science. Our shared values include helping others, promoting dignity, and establishing peace.

When I did my paperwork, I discovered there were certain patrons in the system that were persona non grata. A gentleman repeatedly made messes in the bathroom and disrupted this otherwise peaceful, clean environment. He was barred from entering the library for one solid month. This was not the first time his access to the library had been denied or limited. It was more like the third, each time for a subsequently longer period. The library is a refuge for the public, but everyone must adhere to certain rules. We must commit to cleanliness and tidiness. We must not abuse our privileges. I wish the gentleman no harm. In fact, I hope he takes care of his mental and physical health. We need to encourage each other to be the best versions of ourselves as possible. We need grace. We need freedom. We need discipline and firm expectations.

I love libraries. I have learned many lessons from my experience in these illuminating spaces. I invite you to visit your local, public library to peruse the shelves. Embark on a journey! Study a foreign language. Pick up new skills. Make meaningful change in your life and in your community. Extend a helping hand. Attend an event. The library is a place of rebirth. Become new. Increase your knowledge base. Make the library a home away from home. You’ll be glad you did! A relationship with a library is very rewarding. It renews our sense of hope. It leads to successful partnerships.

Before I left the Alexandria Library, I picked up an Amharic book. I’m always looking for ways to improve my Amharic and to engage more significantly with the Ethiopian diaspora. What changes do you want to make in life? How can the local, public library help you?

Best,

Yeru