Children’s librarian has passion for literacy
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Randi Monley, children’s librarian at the Minot Public Library, was recently recognized by the North Dakota Library Association for her outstanding contributions to children's literacy.
Monley said the award is a "testament of what we all do here as opposed to one person’s work." She said she was a stay at home mom in 2013 when she decided she wanted to do something to get back out into the community. She decided to join the public library as a librarian, becoming a children's librarian in 2020.
Monley said the library is more than books and noted the importance of the library, especially the children’s section, as reading contributes greatly to vocabulary and comprehension skills. She also described the library as a safe space.
Monley said information should be easily acceptable for everyone, and the library is able to provide plenty of information. She explained the library is a community hub with something for everyone.
Monley said one of her favorite parts of her job is helping children find the book that will make them a long-time reader. Her other favorite aspect of working with the Minot Public Library is working with the library team. She said the library staff is close, especially within the children's library. She described how she and the rest of the staff bounce ideas off each other. She said generally she has the big picture but needs her coworkers to help with detail.
Monley described receiving the award as exciting and astonishing, saying she just loves doing her job and she was surprised she was recognized for it.
She said people know she works hard because she is passionate about the cause. Outreach is important to her.
“It is nice to see the fruits of your labor when seeing kids and families here,” she said.
She said she has learned from being a librarian that leadership can be done by anyone. She also explained she has learned a lot about how to help children from her own family.
Monley contributes to literacy even outside of the library. She is also a co-founder and co-chair of Right to Read ND, a group of people who oppose book bans, protect intellectual freedom and support local libraries and schools.