About Me

The Short/Semi-Professional Version

Jessica is a former teacher turned Youth Services Librarian. She has served as an ALA Student Chapter President, leading Emporia State University to their first Student Chapter of the Year Award. After graduating from library school, Jessica worked in a variety of public libraries in the Denver metro area before moving to Oregon in 2023. Jessica served as the Training and Advocacy Chair for Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL), spearheading the collaborative ALSC/CLEL Virtual Storytime Services Guide and launching CLEL’s first virtual professional development opportunities for members. Professionally, Jessica is known for advocating for accessibility and giving storytime flannels early math makeovers. Her favorite things include tea, mountain hikes and middle grade fiction. Jessica is one of the 26% of adults in the United States with a disability.

The Long/More Personal Version

Hi there! I’m Jessica, not Beaker. I’m a book-loving, late-night blogging former teacher turned library lady. I spent most of my teacher time in preschool and kindergarten. Back then my favorite things included teaching young children how to read and write, STEAM, empowering caregivers, and most of all… reading aloud! Then I found out there’s a whole different field that gets to do just that on a community-wide scale. I was out. Or in, depending on your perspective. 🙂

Since starting my library journey in 2016, I’ve finished my MLS and worked in three different public library systems in the Denver Metro area. I moved to Oregon in 2023. Along the way I’ve been a library page, a volunteer preschool storyteller, a floor associate, a storytime specialist, a youth and family services librarian and an early literacy department lead.

I’m also an Emporia State University SLIM alum – and if you are too, let’s connect through the Alumni Facebook Group!

Oh, and speaking of employers past and present, the thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are my own.

In his 1997 Emmy Acceptance Speech, Mr. Rogers said:

“All of us have special ones who have loved us into being. Would you just take along with me ten seconds to think of the people who have helped you become who you are? Those who have cared about you and wanted what was best for you in life. Ten seconds of silence.”

In my ten seconds I can think of many amazing library people who’ve transformed my life personally and professionally. I’m blessed beyond measure to have spent my most formative years as a new professional with mentors such as Mel’s Desk and Miss Mary Liberry.

My primary professional interests include…

• disability and accessibility
• equity and inclusion
• early literacy
• early math
• STEAM
• school outreach

On this blog I mostly write about storytimes and program plans, but occasionally share my thoughts on these other subjects. In general, I do most of my booktalking on Instagram and most of my shouting on Twitter.

Thanks for visiting!