The new 'King' of the children's library

It was the children that made Susie King want to become a librarian, and a federal grant that made it possible.

King, who became the Youth Services Librarian at the Carson City Library last month, took advantage of a grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The program allowed her to receive tuition assistance in completing a distance-learning master's degree in library science from the University of North Texas. No schools in Nevada offer master's degrees in library science.

Before obtaining her degree, she worked at Lake Tahoe Community College and in arts council administration in central California. She also volunteered at the Douglas County Library.

"When I was working for the arts council, I promoted a lot of programs for the community and for children. I really liked that aspect of it and wanted to do more of that," King said. "I really like helping youth and wanted to focus on helping them find information. Plus, I like the fun stuff that goes with the children's library."

Susie King replaces Cory King as the Youth Services Librarian after he moved to the Cataloging Librarian's position. The two are not related.

King said her goal is to continue to make the children's library a positive place for children and buck the stereotype of the dusty, silent library.

"We want it to be an active, friendly and welcoming place. We want kids to come and be engaged and to explore. It's a different environment, a more active environment," King said.

She hopes to begin putting more emphasis on collaboration with community groups and cooperative efforts with the schools. King also hopes to begin planning a larger festival for the years to come.

As for the books, her best advice when trying to get children interested in reading is simply let them choose.

"Let them pick what interests them. They may pick it because of the cover, but that's OK. Read to them a little every day, and it will become a progression," King said. "But their choices can be about anything. It can teach a moral or just take them to a far away place. Reading is just supposed to be fun."

As for her own reading, King said she is working on the "Magic Treehouse" series with her 6-year-old.

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.

Books every child should read

• A mystery. Examples include the "Harry Potter" Series or the "Diamond Brothers" mysteries

• "The World of Pooh" Series by A.A. Milne

• "The Wind in the Willows" Series by Kenneth Grahame

• A fantasy novel. The books of Jane Yolen and the "Series of Unfortunate Events" collection are excellent examples.

- Suggestions from new Youth Services Librarian Susie King