Editor’s Note: A Librarian’s Bucket List

By Sharon Verbeten

About twenty-five years ago, one of my bucket list goals was to find a job to combine my passion and skills for both writing and library science. That dream came true twenty years ago, when I began as editor of Children and Libraries.

Another bucket list item I achieved was visiting the Maurice Sendak archives at the Rosenbach Museum in Philadelphia a few years ago. Sendak was my idol, so seeing his work up close and personal was a dream.

I’m sure as librarians, you all have your bucket list items as well. I still have a few I’m working on—maybe someone will read this and help me out! LOL!

1. Get Jason Reynolds to visit my library. His energy and inspiration in every video I’ve seen is contagious. Plus, it would be really cool to take him to lunch!
2. Recruit Mac Barnett to do a storytime with me. His wackiness—combined with mine—would pair well. Now, if he only lived closer to Green Bay!
3. Learn writing discipline from Dan Santat. Not only is he an amazing talent with diverse skills, but he’s super prolific . . . with multiple much-anticipated titles coming out this year.
4. Find an agent for my picture book manuscript. My good friend, author Miranda Paul, inspired me to complete the manuscript. Now it’s time for the hard work to begin—finding representation.
5. Attend the 2022 ALA Annual Conference. OK, that one’s on the calendar, and it will be so great to see everyone in person after a long absence. Maybe I can make some contacts to help me with the four items above. Fingers crossed! &