Librarian helps teens with more than books

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Susan Smith not only checks out books for teens at the Bloomfield Public Library; she helps them in numerous other ways.

She has been the teen librarian since 2017. Bloomfield librarian Austin Stroud, who nominated Smith for the Difference Makers, said she has doubled the library’s annual attendance numbers.

“I think I’ve got a really good rapport with the kids. I think I’ve made a spot where they can come for a meeting space,” she said. “They feel comfortable being themselves. It’s after school. They feel they can let off some steam.”

Smith said she talks to the teens and “jokes around with them.” She said she has a good sense of humor which helps her in the job. Smith added she thinks kids can sense when someone is genuinely interested in them.

“By that age, they’re pretty savvy.”

“I offer a variety of programs that appeal to different kids,” she continued. “There’s something for everybody, I think.”

Some of those activities include Teen Tuesday, an opportunity for teenagers to discuss their favorites books and movies, play games like Pandemic and Settlers of Catan, work on crafts and eat snacks. The library also sponsors a Teen Movies Night. Smith said she helps the casual readers “by putting the right books in the right hands.”

Those activities aren’t all that Smith offers to teenagers. She said some need help with using computers or their homework, and “I’m here for that.”

Stroud said Smith “nurtures a comfortable and welcoming environment for the more at-risk and alternative teens to hang out after school. These kids love coming in after school and seeing her. She makes them feel special and really gets to know them.”

“Sometimes they need to chill. They come in after school and they’re hungry and I have snacks for them,” Smith said. Stroud noted she brings in those snacks, and also clothing, free of charge.

He said the teens appreciate all that Smith does for them. He said some recently went to Ruler Foods in Bloomfield, bought her favorite brand of pop and gave it to her.

“She’s a clear difference maker, not only at our library,” Stroud said, “but for Bloomfield and the teens here that need it most.”

Smith said she enjoys her work in the teen section. “In the summer, it’s really a happening place.”

Not surprisingly, she loves reading, although she tries to get out in the summer. “That comes from my mom,” she explained. “She instilled that in me.”

That helped lead to her work in libraries. Stroud said she was his manager at the Bedford library about 16 years ago.

He said: “I feel fortunate to have been able to bring her here to serve Greene County youth.”

“I’ve worked in libraries since 1981,” she said. “It was such a natural fit. I started working in libraries when I was a teen, and I never did leave. I just enjoy books and helping people.”

Working as teen librarian is not the only way she helps. In Bedford, she volunteers at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. Smith explained the store is a Catholic charity, but it also helps non-Catholics.

“Whatever we sell, we take the money and take care of people -- utility bills, food cards, gas cards. If people get behind, we assist them with things.”

She said she views her work at the library as a continuation of her work at the thrift store.

“Help them however you can.”

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: