To Read or Not to Read?

One of the greatest ironies of library school, in my opinion, is that during those years of classes with homework, projects, collaboration and readings, there is very little time left to devote to keeping abreast of current literature. It becomes a matter of skipping sleep or skimming the required weekly readings, neither of which are valid avenues to success! I scramble to find time to read the latest juvenile fiction that all the kids at the library are putting on hold. This year's Newbery winner? Caldecott award? Not yet read. Taken home, put on the nightstand, carried from room to room or even left in the car, in hopes of filling that elusive "free" moment. It seems that in our field reading time should be built into the curriculum. Shouldn't we have an answer for the fourth grader who seeks us out at the circ desk, timidly asking us for a suggestion for her school project on historical fiction? Shouldn't we be ready for the parent who demands a review of the popular series her son wants to read? "Is it too old for him? Tell me about the content." We want to read...we just can't seem to find the time!