This article, by Sarah Tarver-Wahlquist, was originally published in the Arizona Daily Star on February 16, 2025.
In spring 2021, I had the great pleasure of writing here about my dreams of becoming a librarian. At the time I was pursuing my Masters in Library Science and serving as a graduate assistant at Martha Cooper Library. It was the tail-end of the library’s COVID-19 closure, and I was eagerly awaiting a chance to work inside the branch.
What a difference a few years make! I’m now a librarian back where it all began—at the beautiful and recently renovated Martha Cooper Library! Now in my third year, I’ve worked at three branches, where I’ve met incredible community members and worked with the absolute coolest people around.
In many ways, working in a public library is what I expected. I plan crafts, help patrons check out books, and chat with kids about their favorite graphic novels. I also see first-hand the vital role that the library plays in people’s lives far beyond the books on our shelves.
I’ve witnessed how the digital divide leaves people disoriented and worried as they search for work using technology they can only access in the library, or how many people utilize the important and rare “third space” of the library to get out of the elements or just find a peaceful place to spend a few hours in a tumultuous world. I’ve watched groups of people show up week after week for English classes and been invited into their joyous (and delicious) potluck celebrations at the end of the term. I’ve heard stories from patrons about tragedies and divorces and lost jobs, then watched those same people do everything they can to find the resources to keep their families afloat.
My favorite moments are when I see patrons helping one another. Just the other day I was about to walk someone through printing from a library computer when another patron stepped in to help. When I checked in a few minutes later, they were deep in conversation, discussing their experiences job hunting. And don’t get me started on the warm fuzzies that come with seeing caregivers and children interacting after our fantastic Storytimes on our beautiful outdoor children’s patio. In a world that feels lonelier by the minute, libraries continue to offer us chances to connect and find community.
My path has run parallel to another big development in my life. In June 2024, I became a published author with the release of my debut novel, Birding with Benefits. My writer life and librarian life have always run in tandem (I got the call about my book deal just before starting an arts and crafts program, where I tried my very best to play it cool for the next hour!), and having a front row seat in the library let me be in the room as some of my biggest dreams became a reality. I was at Woods Memorial Library when my book first arrived in delivery, ready to be scanned and put on the hold shelf for a waiting patron. And I was at Martha Cooper Library seven months later when the hold list was finally fulfilled, so I was able to put my book on a library shelf for the very first time.
This last year has brought developments in my life I never thought possible. I was on podcasts and in articles and mentioned on NPR. I even got to be on a panel at New York Comic Con! But nothing beats the utter thrill and tremendous pride of having my book on the shelf in my own library system, sitting on the shelves in the libraries where I grew up and where my kids grew up after me.
I am proud to be an author, but even prouder to be a librarian. So, it’s no surprise that when my 10-year old asked me what my dream job is, I told him it was a no-brainer. It’s exactly what I’m doing right now.
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Sarah Tarver-Wahlquist is a tween librarian who’s always ready to talk about Percy Jackson. She is also a parent, activist, and writer. Sarah will be fulfilling a(nother) dream this spring by appearing as an author at the Tucson Festival of Books.
