Why I Became a Librarian: Nijma Esad

I became a librarian because, as an awkward, introverted youth, books were my safe space.  I was raised by old people, so connecting to people my age has always been difficult. I found in books the connections I couldn't make in real life. In college, you're asked the question, "what would you do if money was no issue." My answer 

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In thinking of a career, I thought back to my elementary and high school librarians, how they always seemed to be the smartest, most well-informed people in the building. How they, never once recommended a book, I didn't love and how they seemed to know just enough about everyone who ventured into their space, to make them feel welcomed as well as valued. These librarians didn't just surround themselves with books, they found ways to make books come alive for the students; creating lifelong readers, creative thinkers, and generally more open-minded people. I became a librarian because I wanted to do the same thing.  

Nijma Esad      
Hart MS 6-8      
Ward 8