Grade 5 Winner: Susan Cao

On March 12, I went to the Burlington Library to interview someone that is a helper, a smart librarian, and most of all, a friend—Ms. Collins. As a student who often participates in Ms. Collins Library programs, I know firsthand how important she is to our community. Not only are her programs fun and entertaining, they also helped us to learn more about reading and writing and a bunch of other skills. Read on to find out more!

Ms. Collins

Ms. Collins worked at the Malden Public Library for about three-and-a-half years. She was the librarian at the Young Adult section at the Malden Public Library. Around the start of the new year, Ms. Collins moved to the Burlington Public Library in Burlington, Massachusetts to work at the children’s section.

When asked about how her new job is different from her work in Malden, Ms. Collins is quoted as saying,: “In Malden I worked with teens and now, I help with smaller kids...I get to do Story Time...and a lot of other things with younger children. I love it here. I do miss Malden, though.”

Very well said! Kids at the Malden Public Library miss her too! On her Facebook page, every single comment from teens at the Malden Public Library says, “I miss you!” or, “The library isn’t the same without you!” During her time in Malden she showed she cared about other people and knew a lot about the teens’ achievements. She was and still is a good friend to the teens.

Before Ms. Collins worked in the Malden Public Library, she worked in several other libraries. She worked in her high school library, her college library, grade school library, the New York Public Library, and two more libraries in New York. She told me every time she moved she felt nervous, excited and sad about leaving.

“Mixed feelings”, she said, “Always bitter-sweet feelings”.

Yes, it is easy to understand her mixed feelings. In Malden, we have mixed feelings too. We are happy for Ms. Collins but sad that she left. She was such a special part of the Malden Public Library. If you would like to be reminded about the special activities Ms. Collins planned in Malden, she was happy to tell me about them.

Ms. Collins did a lot of things at the Malden Public Library. Talking with her reminded me of the book discussions she created, meeting with an author named Alisa M. Libby, the scary story contest, Halloween party, Wii dancing program, and an Animanga club.

Did you know that the Chess Club and Tournament was her idea, too? She created so many activities, and I couldn’t help but wonder, how many clubs had she participated in before she came to Malden? Probably a lot. I was right.

Ms. Collins said that in high school she was part of the French club, German club, Environmental club, Art club, and Girl Scouts. As an adult, she belongs to the Massachusetts Library Association and the American Library Association. No wonder! What an experienced woman she is!

When I asked her for advice on how to make my own club better (I have a video club), she told me to get organized, keep a record of what you’ve done, and always plan ahead.

Ms. Collins is very nice and popular, and it’s sad that she left. When asked about her memories in Malden, she responded how special her farewell party was. The room was filled with kids, and it was so crowded! She was nice to us and was really helpful! She even had a poetry race planed for April! It’ll be way more exciting than this…this…this boredom!! Ms. Collins is a very good librarian, maybe because she likes libraries and is devoted to her job. She told me: “A library had always felt like home to me.”

What I say

Teens at the Malden Public Library loved Ms. Collins, and I am absolutely sure that she is the best librarian I’ll ever have! Since Ms. Collins left, there are no programs for us teens anymore! Right now, we seriously need a librarian to take care of the teens. Ms. Collins is talented and helpful, and, like she said, everyone’s different, and there’s no others like her! I hope the Malden Public Library finds someone that has a similar personality and will take on the responsibility!