Want to learn something about me?
Hi, I’m Sam, a librarian passionate about connecting people to stories and community.
Here is my resume and contact information.
You can look forward to a list of useful pages including…
- Bio, Work Information, and Headshot
- FAQ
I’m currently inspired by Jessamyn West, a hero from Libraryland, as I work on shaping this site. Jessamyn’s websites, librarian.net, jessamyn.com, and jessamyn.info, offer wonderful models. Her blog covers library-related topics, while her other sites showcase her diverse skills and interests. I’m particularly drawn to her “Been Reading” list, which contrasts with how I currently use GoodReads. I studied digital media and design during my undergraduate years at the University of Connecticut. I find Jessamyn’s web presence both impressive and inspiring. It prompts me to reflect on how I can carve out my path and build a supportive community for others.
Managing my website involves some costs—about $143.90/year for hosting on a 3-year renewal contract through BlueHost, plus a $22 recurring charge for the domain name.
On a personal note, as I write this, my two-year-old and husband are enjoying bedtime stories on the murphy bed in the sunken living room of our 1 bedroom, NYC co-op. I’m self-conscious about how long it’s taking me to finish this. They might need me soon!
A Bit About My Journey
I’ve been blogging since my teenage years, starting with a “Grief Staircase” blog after my cousin Katie’s passing. I later chronicled some of my undergraduate work in a digital humanities blog and the first 100 days of married life with a “husbometer” blog, and even hosted a naming auction for our first child on my site. The 100-day blog was particularly successful due to the daily posts and thanks to the support of the WordPress.com community. However, it also led to some awkward situations…more about that in a future post.
My passion for libraries began early, volunteering at my hometown library as a teenager. I enjoyed preparing storytime crafts, shelving books, and participating in community events. Libraries became a sanctuary for me, a place to learn, solve problems, and escape into stories.
However, my career and personal beliefs faced challenges. Marrying a conservative partner led me to question some of my ideological convictions and left me feeling somewhat disconnected from some of the liberal values often associated with library work. Balancing these questions with the realities of raising children shifted my priorities and perspectives.
Despite these challenges, my mission is to help create a world where future generations can access abundant nature and exceptional libraries. I hope to contribute to that mission and continue my personal growth through this site.