Pat Keogh is a retired school librarian and a 2016 winner of a Peggy Hallisey Lifetime Achievement Award
From the time I walked into my first class in children's literature at Boston University with Dr. Lorraine Tolman I knew I
was hooked. We heard her read aloud from so many wonderful books by Beverly Cleary, Robert McCloskey and others. I still read children's books every day. Since learning of my good fortune to receive the Peg Hallissey Lifetime Achievement Award I have been reflecting on the twists and turns of my career.
was hooked. We heard her read aloud from so many wonderful books by Beverly Cleary, Robert McCloskey and others. I still read children's books every day. Since learning of my good fortune to receive the Peg Hallissey Lifetime Achievement Award I have been reflecting on the twists and turns of my career.
Upon graduation from college I had no idea of a career path, but in talking to one of my English professors I mentioned that teaching might be of interest to me. She also taught at a private high school and suggested I sit in and then take over the class for a couple of days. Again the minute I walked into the classroom I knew I had discovered my niche. I had no education courses but decided I would teach high school English- until I learned there were no jobs for anyone as unqualified as I. While I was at the agency (there were several in the 60s) they asked what else I could do. I answered with the confidence of a 20 year old that I liked library work.( I had shelved books for work study.) They sent me off to Scituate Junior High where the only question the principal asked was, "What is that box for?" It was the card catalog and I got the job. The librarians at my college were horrified and had me drive to New Jersey for a week of information packed sessions. Another lucky time for me as the Scituate school was on double sessions and no one had time for the library so I got acquainted with the collection and the journals slowly. In April the Superintendent called me over ( I assumed to get fired) to see if I might be interested in a master's program in educational media at B.U. What a great way to learn the ropes and make so many contacts.
I enjoyed three years at the Junior High and then was asked to start four elementary libraries. I loved reading to young children and decided this was a better age for me. One summer afternoon I got a call from the Superintendent in Weston asking me to come for an interview. (A Scituate principal had recommended me.) This was a chance to develop 3 libraries, but I declined because I had just begun the work in Scituate. However, luck was on my side again because the Weston job reopened the following spring. I moved and spent the next 40 years working in multiple schools and sharing literature with k-5 students.
How lucky I have been! My passion for children's books has offered me opportunities in so many ways. I was fortunate that the students, parents and teachers appreciated the work I did. Again more good luck. I got a half-year sabbatical to begin my program at the Center for the Study of Children's Literature at Simmons. While I had read a great deal, it was at Simmons that I learned how to discuss books and gained confidence in my ability to review materials. Mary Burns, a memorable mentor and professor at Framingham State University, called me at this time and asked if I would join her in speaking at the David McCord Festival each fall. During these years I also taught children's literature at several graduate schools. Working with teachers and librarians was most rewarding. Throughout many years I worked with authors visiting our schools and in more recent times worked with Wondermore (formerly FCB) to bring authors into underserved schools in Boston.
Today's librarians are not given the chance to follow a passion. One must be proficient in computer programs, planning and implementing maker spaces, and most recently circulating musical instruments and other items. All of this without additional help! So my question is this -- When will a librarian be lucky enough to have time to read the myriad of outstanding books?
I enjoyed three years at the Junior High and then was asked to start four elementary libraries. I loved reading to young children and decided this was a better age for me. One summer afternoon I got a call from the Superintendent in Weston asking me to come for an interview. (A Scituate principal had recommended me.) This was a chance to develop 3 libraries, but I declined because I had just begun the work in Scituate. However, luck was on my side again because the Weston job reopened the following spring. I moved and spent the next 40 years working in multiple schools and sharing literature with k-5 students.
How lucky I have been! My passion for children's books has offered me opportunities in so many ways. I was fortunate that the students, parents and teachers appreciated the work I did. Again more good luck. I got a half-year sabbatical to begin my program at the Center for the Study of Children's Literature at Simmons. While I had read a great deal, it was at Simmons that I learned how to discuss books and gained confidence in my ability to review materials. Mary Burns, a memorable mentor and professor at Framingham State University, called me at this time and asked if I would join her in speaking at the David McCord Festival each fall. During these years I also taught children's literature at several graduate schools. Working with teachers and librarians was most rewarding. Throughout many years I worked with authors visiting our schools and in more recent times worked with Wondermore (formerly FCB) to bring authors into underserved schools in Boston.
Today's librarians are not given the chance to follow a passion. One must be proficient in computer programs, planning and implementing maker spaces, and most recently circulating musical instruments and other items. All of this without additional help! So my question is this -- When will a librarian be lucky enough to have time to read the myriad of outstanding books?
