In Appreciation of Children's Librarians

Let's get real: summer reading programs are a pain. So this time of year, when children's librarians are knee-deep in running them, it's nice to feel like someone out there appreciates us. I've compiled some of my favorite tributes to youth librarians. If I've missed a good one, please leave it in the comments. I hope to be able to refer to this post when I am feeling stressed or burnt-out.  We all need a little encouragement sometimes to just keep swimming.

Quotes and Dedications

“Adult librarians are like lazy bakers: their patrons want a jelly doughnut, so they give them a jelly doughnut. Children’s librarians are ambitious bakers: 'You like the jelly doughnut? I’ll get you a jelly doughnut. But you should try my cruller, too. My cruller is gonna blow your mind, kid.”
― John Green

Dedication to Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane deGroat

Blog posts and Journal Articles

"For the Children" from the Effing Librarian.

Probably the greatest advocate for children's librarians that I have run across is Will Manley. Here are some of his many words devoted to espousing our good qualities:

• "You Know You're Married to a Children's Librarian When Your Spouse..." Funny post, and lots of nice things from other librarians in the comments.
• "The Importance of Children's Librarians" What do kidlibs do that designers don't?
• "No More Kidding Around" Money quote: " I believe that children’s librarians are our profession’s best hope for strong leaders."