Listen to the audio
Two years ago, I started to tell the true stories of one small middle-aged Reference librarian, sheltered safely somewhere in a Midwestern public library. Soon after, much to my surprise, and thanks most to Michael Stephens of Tame the Web, making himself his own rising star, the Midwest had reached to libraries literally around the world.
I can’t thank you all enough for reading. Everyone has a story to tell. But I actually get the satisfaction of knowing I am heard. You tell me I add something to your day. You tell me that I encourage you, help you go on, take that next step, keep trying for excellence in helping others.
Some people think anonymous blogging is lame. It’s the only way I know how to protect myself, my library and the poor patrons whose stories I tell here. But I am telling you now, there is nothing anonymous about this to me. That’s why I’m reading this one, to emphasize that I have a voice, I have a body, I am an individual person. This is me, sharing my personal experiences, receiving your feedback. There is nothing anonymous about walking through this life knowing that
I – me, this little person in this little life –
I – am the Feel-good Librarian.
You have changed the way I feel about myself in the world, knowing I am heard, feeling I am making a contribution not only to my patrons’ lives, but to librarians, people I respect and am proud to be one of, and to a career that I have loved since my first memories of a library at six years old. Through the cancer, your good thoughts and prayers lifted me up.
All I want to do is pass that feeling on.
Recently, the blog passed 100,000 hits. All I have to say is thanks. Thank you, Michael. To everyone – everyone who has read, everyone who has linked, everyone who has commented, lurked and come back for more: Thanks. A hundred thousand thanks for the excellent ride.
That, and this: go forth and feel good, librarians. And pass it on.
Love your audio today! And love your site. Although I don't work in one, I love libraries as well and it is so interesting to read your stories and your thoughts. Keep it up! Blogging is not lame, although I've heard a person or two say the same. We have something to say, don't we? And I think most of us say it with style and heart. Rah rah for you! Thanks for your contribution to the blogging community!
Posted by: Beth | April 24, 2007 at 01:34 PM
What a lovely entry. And if that is your own voice, you sound young, certainly not middle-aged.
Wishing you all the best--
from a really middle-aged librarian (51) in Maine.
Posted by: acadian | May 01, 2007 at 09:25 AM
That's not how you sound!
Just kidding, of course, but I definately hear a different voice in my head when I read your posts. You don't sound "middle-age" at all... even though I'm not sure what middle-age is supposed to sound like.
I also have to include the obligatory "I love your blog" and let you know, as so many others have, that your experiences and views DO have an impact on me. I may never be the "Feel Good Comic Store Owner" but when I read your posts (I've read your entire blog a couple times over) it makes want to try just a little bit harder. Thank you.
If you keep posting, I'll keep reading!
Posted by: Scott | May 02, 2007 at 10:57 AM
Lovely to hear your voice. You're an inspiration!
Posted by: Sara | May 02, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Discretion is often a choice overlooked today. Anonymous blogging is valid. Your P.O.V is important.
And keeping one's job by adhering to your library's rules and regs, no matter how outdated, is also important. I'm anonymous too.
Rock on!
Posted by: Booktender | May 02, 2007 at 02:33 PM
Thank you all for the encouragement. I'm really happy to know that people outside libraries are reading, too, since, you know, I'm convinced that everyone can be the Feel-good Whatever-They-Are. Thanks for reading, listening and letting me know.
Best,
FGL
Posted by: Feel-good Librarian | May 02, 2007 at 02:42 PM
"Coming to a radio station hear you ... the dulcet tones of FGL."
Posted by: potus_lies | May 11, 2007 at 02:51 PM
"Consequences, Schmonsequences, as long as I'm rich."
-- "Ali Baba Bunny" <>957, Chuck Jones]
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Posted by: Extitybervexy | May 09, 2008 at 01:13 PM