This award is a dream come true, and o so very apropos.
Consider this: as my stint in library school comes to an end, I find myself marveling at my newfound ability to shove aside what I once found so thoroughly essential: time for recreation, relaxation and thinking about anything other than libraries. Similarly, I marvel at my recently-discovered superpower: I can make frozen lasagna after frozen lasagna, while remaining immune to the protests of my long-suffering family.

I jest. I’ve actually had a heck of a good time gettin’ some real book learnin’ on the art and science of librarianship. And you can bet I’ll be missing my classmates when school’s out. But know this too: I can’t wait to go camping with my family, craft a delicious home-cooked meal comprised entirely of fresh, unfrozen ingredients, paint a picture, or make some music.

Here’s to more shoving and making, and the hopes we can shove (“coax” sounds better) a love for libraries (and the willingess to $upport libraries) into our patrons’ heart of hearts, while making libraries relevant for the 21st century (and beyond!)

Aspen Walker