This morning, Cohort 7 was treated to two fabulous panel discussions featuring representatives from the library profession. I left feeling really invigorated and excited about the future.
Ms. Jo Ellen Kenney spoke with us about her career as a public librarian (with a brief period spent in schools). The head director of the Carnegie Library of McKeesport, Ms. Kenney was wonderfully warm and real. She had a bold sense of humor and was very straightforward in acknowledging the challenges of public librarianship along with the joys. She emphasized the importance of knowing, understanding and respecting the culture and history of the community and of committing to serving the population. Recently, one of Ms. Kenney's branches was shut down in conjunction with the closing of the Duquesne school district -- but luckily, regional leaders have fought to reinstate the branch.
I was moved by Ms. Kenney's obvious passion and commitment to her patrons and to the library profession. Her honesty and genuineness truly impressed me. Ms. Kenney's representation of "the real world" of libraries was an eye-opening and inspiring experience.
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