Hi, I’m Kay, a Children’s Librarian moving to the East Coast from the West Coast for my new job! I spent a year as a Youth Services Librarian, creating and facilitating storytimes, programs, and events for children and families. Some programs I’m especially proud of are sensory storytimes, cross cultural experiences like a Lunar New Year event, and the library’s first verse Pride event- a Family Pride storytime that included fun crafts and a resource fair that connected families with LGBTQ+ friendly community resources. I served as Co-Chair of the DEI, Accessibility, & Belonging committee. I loved serving the local community and providing inclusive and exciting programming for children and families.

Unfortunately, due to budget constraints within the city, my Librarian role was eliminated and I lost my job early this past summer. At the end of my lease agreement, I had to pack up my things and move back in with my parents, exhausting my savings on moving expenses. As you can imagine, job seeking is already hard. Doing so in library and public service is even more so currently. I spent all summer applying and interviewing for librarian positions. I applied for well over 30 positions, making it through to over 10 interviews, most leading to rejections, all cited to such a large pool of applicants.

I recently was offered and happily accepted a role as a Children’s Librarian in a new town on the East Coast! The library is located in one of the most diverse communities in the country, and I’m honored that I’ve been selected to provide services to families in this area. I’ve always wanted to move to the area and I’m very excited for this new opportunity. The library system is well funded and I’m grateful for the stability this provides. The pay is enough for me to live comfortably and cover rent and food in the area.

However, relocation is not covered in the offer. I’ve found an apartment and have begun moving in with just the things I can carry in my suitcases. I can make do with minimal items for awhile, but I’d like to have my bed, my computer, the rest of my clothes and personal items shipped to me soon, as to not burden my parents by storing my items there for much longer. I have received quotes from moving companies and selected one that is priced and fairly and I trust. The deposit can be made with credit, but the final payment upon moving must be paid in cash. I am requesting mutual aide to cover these costs so that I can pay for a moving company to move my items from the West Coast to the East Coast. Donating whatever you can will help ease the move and stress so that I can provide the best possible library service I can to my new community. Thank you for your consideration!