Julia Gray

Children's Librarian and Programming Coordinator

Fairhope Public Library

08.2012 - 02.2023

Oversaw and monitored conditions, customer service, and cleaning of Youth Services Department.
Monitored collections, displays, and weeding schedules in elementary and juvenile rooms, removing and replacing outdated materials and arranging in displays to increase circulation and maintain interest of young patrons and their families.
Trained, scheduled, and assessed effectiveness of library staff in children's programs, daily workflow and presentation of department, opening and closing procedures, and patron service.
Offered reference service and book recommendations for young students, their parents, and teachers to improve children's access to fun and relevant materials.
Created and implemented engaging and educational programs for all age groups with a main focus on children's activities from birth through 12 years.
Scheduled, planned, set-up, and presented all Storytimes on location and off location at festivals, community booths, Farmer's markets, or area preschools.
Supported parents and teachers by outlining and hosting field trips, and teaching children from preschool through eighth grade to care for shared materials, select age-appropriate resources and demonstrate proper behavior in public libraries.
Developed Home School Haven -study room with materials and manipulatives provided to support homework and math help.
Created, developed, and executed plans for a Homeschool Hour offering & teaching books & activities for lessons in library science, art, history, and math.
Developed long-term plans and annual budget proposals and purchases for children's services.
Organized, completed purchase orders for, and inventoried all art, math, cooking, science, and storytelling tools.
Networked with local businesses and artists to bring in creative and engaging displays for ALL library patrons.
Administrated 12 years of Summer Reading Programs. Overseeing ordering books and decorations to complete themes and create age-appropriate programs and inner-generational art/ program opportunities.
Designed & Installed decor for Summer Reading.
Recruited local artists to share and contribute to our decor or paint murals on our walls.
Outreach to local businesses and recreational or performing arts businesses and local authors or artists for prizes and performances to attract and appeal to the masses during SRP or holidays.
Created Community STEAM activities and experiences that led to popular installations and displays, now enjoyed and returning yearly.
Collaborated with police, fire, and rescue departments to put on Back-to-School bashes and partner for community hero Storytimes.
Provided and organized a booth and experiences for Bird Fest, Arbor Day, and Earth Day. Participated in Community Trick-or-Treat day.
Maintained records for program attendance and material usage.