Summertime means something different this year as I begin The Columbus Foundation Summer Fellowship.  

And to quote one of my peer Fellows, “I’m pumped!”  

My host site is the incomparable Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation (CMLF), and it has been so joyous to return to the library in-person after this past year of remoteness. Children and caretakers pass by in the halls, and my inner child recalls when I devoured library books to gain stickers toward the Summer Reading Challenge. I remember the excitement of being transported to a literary world and know that the library’s services are more important today than ever before.  

This is just one reason I am pumped to be working with CMLF this summer. I look forward to getting out in the community to visit library branches, connecting with patrons of the library, and being part of a team that has been incredibly welcoming and supportive this first week. It is a great feeling to be back in the library’s spaces and surrounded by people who believe in the work we are doing for our community.  

In addition to my work with CMLF, this week also provided multiple opportunities to connect with other Fellows and learn from community experts. The Columbus Foundation hosted a learning session for all Fellows that centered on advocacy and what it means to be an advocate. Dr. Mark Lomax II – our visionary leader – artfully summed up advocacy in three words: Hear, See, and Say. That is, as advocates, we must begin by “hearing” from the voices of the community we aim to serve, we must “see” the community by recognizing its strengths and challenges, and then we can have a “say” and participate in the process of elevating issues by speaking out.  

My first week at the library I have focused on the initial stage of advocacy: hearing. I knew I was entering an established organization that serves many diverse communities in Columbus. The needs of these communities vary and I want to be certain I listen closely so I can empathize and understand what they ask of their public libraries. This summer, I look forward to learning more about the exchange of resources and services that CML facilitates in our Franklin County communities.

Throughout my life, I have found everything from solace and comfort to adventure and joy at the library. So, the opportunity to spend my summer advocating for their services is incredibly exciting. I look forward to blogging about my experiences here each week and hope you will follow along. Till next week! 

-Amy