Sam Reid graduated from the University of Iowa's School of Library and Information Science in December of 2021, after spending sixteen years as a full-time stay-at-home mom and volunteer. She graduated from SLIS not only with her Master's, but also with a K-12 teaching license and a secondary English endorsement. After graduation, about to start student teaching, Reid was offered a position as a full-time Youth Librarian with the Des Moines Public Library, where she has since become a cornerstone of her community, utilizing her teaching experience in her children's programming to create interactive and fun learning programs for both children and their parents.
"I love so many things about my job! I try to learn the names of all the kids who come regularly, which has resulted in a lot of meaningful interactions with them and their families. I have a lot of fun planning programs and hosting weekly toddler storytimes. I even enjoy managing the collection -- Since I started working at Central, I reorganized the Parents Collection by topic; recently I was able to establish some nonfiction neighborhoods to make books about specific topics easier for kids to locate; and my next project is restructuring our large picture book collection. I also love my coworkers! I'm fortunate to work with an amazing team of creative, compassionate, and open-minded people. "
Reid is still grateful to SLIS as a part of her journey, thankful for the guidance and support of her professors during her time here, and the way in which they encouraged her curiosity. She says that she "graduated from SLIS fully prepared to begin [her] career with an understanding of collection management, library programming, technology, research, and library culture". But more vitally, prepared to begin her career as a library advocate, a preparation she's always grateful for whenever patrons come in with "questions about censorship, library funding, and the role of the public library in the community". She still remembers her professor's advice on creating an elevator speech; a short speech where you can succinctly describe the value of the library, whenever patrons come to her with those questions.
In terms of recent accomplishments, Reid was invited to do a 'Storytime on the Stage' with the Des Moines Civic Center. Not only did the kids who attended get to come up on stage with her for a series of guided readings and activities, but they also got a lesson in technical theater with Des Moines Performing Arts. She is looking forward to furthering this partnership with future programs and events.
As an alumna now, Sam Reid is always looking for ways to imbue a love of learning into the newest generation.