Growing up, I never liked reading because I had trouble sounding out words, or they’d get all jumbled up in my head. At the time, my school district didn’t have any resources for kids struggling with the learning disabilities I was dealing with, so they just passed me along. It wasn’t until junior high that I finally started getting help to reach the right reading level.
It took a long time before I began reading books willingly, and that’s why I originally didn’t think I could work in a library—even though I knew that’s what I wanted to do. For me, what really pushed me toward loving reading was the group of friends I made and their passion for books. I wanted to join their conversations about the stories they were sharing, so I pushed myself to read.
Now, as an adult, I can get through a book in a few days with little trouble, though sometimes I still have to reread a paragraph or two. When I found out my niece was struggling with the same learning disabilities, I encouraged her to read every chance I got (the photo is an example—she wanted to play on her iPad, but instead, I made her read to me). I don’t want her to ever feel like she can’t do something because of her disabilities, so I try to be a role model and show her that she can overcome her struggles and follow whatever path she wants. She’s the reason I’m going back to school to become a librarian—to prove to myself that I do have a place in the library world, despite my own challenges.
Reading has opened so many doors for me and taught me how to see through others’ eyes. Some of my favorite recommendations cover heavy topics, but those books made me realize I wasn’t alone in my struggles. Reading taught me compassion and empathy—things I don’t think I would have learned anywhere else. Plus, reading has helped me make so many wonderful friends, both in real life and in the worlds of the stories I love. It’s given me a community that I’m proud to be part of, and now I want to make that community available to everyone, no matter their situation. Everyone deserves to find their third space.
Fantasy
Nonfiction
Sci-Fi
Classical Fiction
Horror
Memoirs
Gothic Fiction
Paranormal Fiction
