Between the Lines: February Member Spotlight
Rachael Welsh
Librarian
Sablatura Middle School in Pearland ISD
What inspired you to become a librarian?
I have always been a huge reader – my mother raised us in libraries! My first job was as a shelver in the public library in my hometown when I was in high school. I went to Texas A&M University with the plan to major in biomedical science and attend veterinary school, but I changed plans quickly! Since I’ve always been a reader, I changed my major to English Literature. After college, I started substitute teaching in College Station and got the assignment for the retiring high school librarian, and I loved it. The other librarian told me that I could become a school librarian after teaching for three years, so I signed up for an alternative certification plan in the high school library – becoming a librarian was always the end goal of my career in education!
What is an innovative practice at your library/organization you would like to share with others?
What may not seem innovative to others but is innovative to my students is putting them first in every practice. There’s an “Emergency Supply Station” for students who have come to school without proper supplies, whether that’s school supplies or hygiene needs (including menstrual supplies) – the kids know that they’re able to come in and take what they need without asking, taking away the stigma or embarrassment of not having supplies. I have students involved in creating displays in my “Adopt A Shelf” program, where students fill out an adoption form to create a book display and contribute to our overall circulation. I’m on the rotation schedule because we have too many students assigned to the PE classes at one time, which means that when the classes come to the library, they miss their PE time and their physical activity time for the day. Sometimes, our library class time is a 10–15-minute checkout and then going outside for “Library Recess.” – sometimes, they need the physical activity time for both their and their teachers’ sakes!
If you could have dinner with three authors (living or dead), who would they be and why?
Ann M. Martin, RL Stine, and Lois Duncan are the authors who defined my childhood. Their names on books meant that they were immediate reads for me. I would love to be able to thank them for the books and send them my therapy bills for all the cliffhangers and jump scares!
What are you reading right now?
I’m moderating an author panel at the TLA Annual Conference this year that’s a collaborative panel with the Young Adult Round Table and the Queers & Allies Round Table called “Reading the Rainbow: LGBT Authors of Young Adult Literature,” so I’m reading the ARCs of the authors that will be on the panel – and based on these books, it’s going to be AMAZING!
What is your most memorable Texas Library Association Experience?
My first TLA Conference in 2015 – I had never been around so many librarians all excited and passionate about learning and growing. If you haven’t been to a TLA Conference, I suggest you make plans to attend immediately!
Advice to new librarians?
Get involved where you can! Librarianship can be lonely as we’re often the only librarians on our campuses – get linked in on social media, use TLA Engage, volunteer with TLA or TASL, and see how quickly your PLN grows!
Share your hobbies, hidden talents, and anything people might not know about you.
I have been a volunteer with my local community theater, Brazosport Center Stages, for over 20 years! I volunteer as an actor, producer, director, and board member – this spring, I’m directing a production of “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry.
Anything else you would like to share?
Don’t be afraid to share your library story any way you can. I use social media to engage with community members and share what’s happening in my library. If you’re not sharing your story, someone else will, and you won’t have control over what they say. Make sure that everyone knows the great things happening in Texas libraries!
Please finish this sentence. “I am a TLA member because…”
I am a TLA member because I care about libraries and librarians in Texas and know we are stronger together.