"This is the great thing about having a window," said Aiden Street, new branch manager for the Norman Library, as a young toddler stared through the window into her office. She said children are often taken with the large glass panes that encase her brightly lit work space, frequently making faces by pressing their faces against the glass.
But this interaction with people is the reason Street decided to pursue a career in libraries. She took her first library job in Florida out of sheer convenience. It wasn't long, though, before she got caught up in the mission of public libraries.
"We treat everyone the same, no matter who you are or what walk of life you come from," Street said. She refers to libraries as the people's universities, where they can study and learn whatever appeals to them.
She remained employed by a library in Florida before moving with her husband to Oklahoma. After receiving a job at the Moore Public Library, she was encouraged by her co-workers to go back to school and pursue her library science degree. In 2001, she graduated with her master's degree from the University of Oklahoma. Before coming to Norman slightly more than month ago, she served as the Business Service coordinator at Moore.
Although the move to Norman means managing a larger library, Street noted that the dynamic is still basically the same.
"We still do great things that connect us to the community," she said.
In fact, after a recent trip to Lyon, France, as part of a Rotary Exchange program, Street came to the realization that libraries basically operate the same way. During her one month in the country, Street was able to visit several academic and public libraries. Through her conversations, she realized that even librarians across the Atlantic share the same goals and challenges that she does.
Street cited her largest challenge as changing people's perspective on what role a library plays in a community. She said many people foster an image of libraries as stuffy, quiet places and not the lively community centers they have become.
Throughout her career in libraries, Street also has seen the services offered to local residents change drastically as community needs change.
"It's not just about books," she said. People can come to the library to learn how to open a business, use the free wireless Internet, take computer classes or seek advice on how to write an effective grant. In fact, Street said, part of her job as a librarian is to be out in the community evaluating its needs that the library can try to meet.
"That defines what we're all about," she said.
Amidst the changing technology, though, the importance of books still remains a priority.
"It's a blend," said Street, who commented that these days most of the reading she does tends to be the children's books she reads to her 21-month-old son. Her role as a mother, added to her duties as a colorguard instructor at Southmoore High School and the branch manager of the library keep Street busy. She said her love for community involvement keeps her from tiring easily, though.
"It's a good balance for me," she said.
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