Every journey has a beginning, and mine started right after completing my Master’s degree. I was exploring opportunities when I came across a librarian opening at Sharon School. With a mix of hope and nervous excitement, I decided to call and ask if the position was still open. To my surprise, it was.
That very same day, I visited the school to submit my resume. What I thought would be a quick visit turned into something much bigger—I was asked to attend an interview immediately. By the end of the day, I received the happiest news: I was selected. It was my first job, and that too in a school—a place I had always dreamed of working in. I have always loved being around children—their energy, curiosity, and joy—and knowing my career would begin in such an environment made it even more special.
My First Day: Nervous, Excited, and Inspired
My first day as a school librarian was filled with excitement and a little nervousness. That’s when I met my colleague, Edwin. Always smiling and approachable, he introduced me to the workings of the library and helped me connect effortlessly with students. Watching the bond he shared with them made me realize how powerful the connection between an educator and a child can be.
I was also fortunate to have wonderful mentors—Ms. Jennifer Ma’am and Judith Ma’am. They made me feel truly welcome and gradually introduced me to the beautiful world of books. Before this, I wasn’t much of a reader. But under their guidance, I transformed into one. They helped me understand how important books are in a student’s life and how meaningful conversations and connections can be built through stories.
Initially, I believed that a school library was simply a place where students came to borrow books and that my role would be limited to managing them. But this library was completely different from anything I had experienced before.
It was a space filled with carefully curated collections—books by diverse authors, beautiful picture books I never knew existed, and stories written in different languages. It was a place of comfort, imagination, and voices from all over the world.
In many ways, it was the kind of library I wished I had during my own school years.
Being part of such a vibrant and thoughtful library fills me with gratitude every single day.
Two Years Later: A Second Home
Now, after completing two years at Sharon School, it feels nothing less than my second home. I work with both primary and secondary sections, and the bonds I share with the students are truly special. Every time I walk into a classroom for a library period, I see faces light up with joy and excitement. That moment alone reminds me why I chose this path.
Last year, Bismi joined our team. She instantly reminded me of myself when I first walked into Sharon. Like I once did, she has a deep love for working with children and brings creativity into everything she does. Watching her grow and connect with students has been a joyful experience. It feels special to see a reflection of my own early days in her enthusiasm and passion.
Seeing how much students love the library reassures me that a library is not just about books—it’s about belonging, curiosity, connection, and stories that stay with us for life.
And I’m proud to be part of that journey.
As I began reflecting on my reading journey, I found myself returning to a very special starting point — The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman. It was the first book I picked up during my time at the library, and it left a lasting impression on me.
The story’s emotional depth, the resilience of its characters, and its portrayal of hope amid adversity deeply moved me. It quickly became one of my favorite books.
After reading it, I had the opportunity to present a book talk in one of my classes. Preparing and delivering that session helped me engage more critically with the text and communicate my thoughts with confidence. What stayed with me even more was how the book resonated with others. From that point on, whenever students asked for recommendations, I often suggested The Bridge Home. It felt meaningful to share a story that had shaped my own reading journey and to see it spark curiosity and conversations among young readers.
Beyond books, my journey has been about building relationships.
Developing a bond with children became central to my work in the library space. I realized early on that creating a welcoming and safe environment was essential. For many children, a library can either feel like an extension of the classroom or a completely different world of exploration. I wanted it to be the latter—a space where they felt comfortable, heard, and free to express themselves.
I began with simple gestures: greeting them warmly, learning their names, and inviting casual conversations. These small yet intentional efforts helped establish trust. Gradually, children began to see the library not just as a place for books, but as a space where they could share their thoughts openly and engage with stories in their own way.
Read more Stories from the School
Building rapport was not a one-time effort; it required consistency, patience, and genuine interest in their perspectives.
A significant turning point in my professional development came when Jennifer Ma’am introduced me to Bookworm, an organization dedicated to children’s development through libraries and books.
Through Bookworm, I attended several online workshops on topics such as Art in the Library, Graphic Novels, and innovative reading practices. These sessions broadened my understanding of how libraries can be dynamic, interactive spaces rather than just repositories of books.
Last year, I also had the opportunity to attend a workshop on Library Purpose and Practice Workshop in Bihar. The experience was deeply insightful. It highlighted the transformative role libraries can play in a child’s life—in nurturing imagination, empathy, and critical thinking. I learned about diverse reading communities and how libraries can adapt to different social and cultural contexts.
Today, I see the library not just as a physical space filled with books, but as a living environment that fosters connection, creativity, and lifelong learning for children and for myself alike.
From that first hopeful call to finding my second home, this journey has shaped me in ways I never imagined. And I know this is only the beginning.
Above all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the school leadership team, for believing in me and providing me with such meaningful opportunities. Their guidance, trust, and encouragement have played a vital role in shaping my journey as a school librarian.
Devyani Jadhav
Librarian