By Meghan Peterson, Ph.D.
Located at 301 Route 81 in Killingworth, the Killingworth Library provides a variety of adult, adolescent, family, and children’s literary resources, educational programming, and cultural arts events. As such, it serves as a dynamic hub for people to learn, gather and experience community together. We recently contacted Gayle Byrne, children’s librarian here in Killingworth, to speak more about the role the Killingworth Library plays in the lives of Killingworth (as well as surrounding area) residents and library patrons.
How did you come to call Killingworth Library your home?
Byrne: Years ago as teenagers, my husband John and I would come to Chatfield Hollow to spend the day ‘out in the country.’ We knew Killingworth was where we wanted to raise a family. That was 40 years, 3 children and two careers ago! Being the Children’s Librarian in our hometown library was/is the perfect vantage point for me both professionally and personally.
What is your background? Please provide a bit of biographical as well as professional information.
Byrne: Trained initially as a High School English teacher a left-hand turn steered me to District #17 teaching Child Development at HK high school for twelve years. Another left-hand turn brought me to the Killingworth Library when it was looking to hire its first Children’s Librarian to help create a children’s program. That was twenty years ago.
How do you see your role not only at the library but in the community?
Byrne: A Children’s Librarian is so much more than just a person who puts a book in someone’s hand. My most important ‘role’ is to connect – of course with the children but also with their families, their schools, local businesses and organizations – with anything really that touches the lives of the children in our community.
What are some of your favorite aspects of your job?
Byrne: Definitely interacting with my young families! Whether it’s searching out resources for an issue a child is having at school or helping find just the right book for that child who ‘hates reading’ (OMG – I cringe every time I hear that!) I feel privileged being even a small part of their lives for that moment. Swaying and cuddling with a cranky baby in my arms while a young mother commiserates with another parent about sleepless nights is one of the highlights of the job for me!
What are some goals/objectives/vision(s) you have for the library children’s department?
Byrne: Since day one I have always believed in listening to our patrons – in my case as Children’s Librarian, keeping a good eye and ear on the young families in our community. I try to figure out what they want, what they need and I try to give it to them! We can’t be successful if we can’t get them to come through our doors. I’ve found that’s the best way to keep our Children’s Room exciting and current and most of all – used!
Any other thoughts to share with residents, patrons?
Byrne: As the Children’s Librarian I’m always looking to reach out and stretch Children’s Services into new and innovative areas. The challenge is to keep and adapt what’s worked but always be open to explore things that are different. I’d love for people to realize the Killingworth Library is alive and well. And the Children’s Room is where it’s happening!
