9/23/2020
Patricia McIvor is eager to begin working as the young adult librarian at Greenville Library this month.
SMITHFIELD – In her youth growing up in Greenville, Patricia McIvor remembers loving the Greenville Public Library and being inspired by librarians’ commitment to public service.
When she was hired at the library in 2010, Director Dorothy Swain encouraged McIvor, 34, to attend college to become a librarian.
McIvor took her advice and received her master’s in library and information studies from the University of Rhode Island.
“I became a librarian because I love reading books and helping people, so I became a librarian because I love libraries,” she told The Valley Breeze & Observer.
McIvor has worked as a reference librarian since 2018, and says she is happy to take on a new role as young adult librarian this month.
“Growing up in Greenville, I attended story hours and participated in summer reading programs at the library. I remember the library as a wonderful, safe place to read and learn and share,” she said.
McIvor is responsible for young adult collections and programs, and manages the young adult volunteers.
While she said she didn’t start out planning to work with young adults in grades 6-12, after hosting a Young Writers Workshop, she realized she enjoyed working with youths.
“They’re funny and interesting and so, so creative,” she said.
The Young Adult Workshop quickly became the highlight of her week, and when the previous young adult librarian, Rhonda Hevenor, stepped down, McIvor applied for the position.
For now, McIvor is focusing on virtual programs to practice social distancing measures. The Greenville Library offers a variety of community service projects that young adults can complete at home, including reading lists, book reviews, and creating posters for the library, she said.
She is planning virtual book chats and craft programs, as well as a fall activity bingo game in October, which is “TeenTober in libraries,” challenging youths to complete activities such as reading a graphic novel, meditating, or stepping on a crunchy leaf.
McIvor is continuing the “Middles” program Hevenor began for tweens in grades 4-6, as well as the Young Writers Workshop.
“And, I’m currently looking for a young adult volunteer who can Dungeon Master for a new virtual Dungeons and Dragons game we’re hoping to start at the library,” she said.
McIvor said she is eager to hear from young adults, and is starting a Teen Advisory Group where youths can share ideas and suggestions in exchange for community service credit.
To contact McIvor, email patriciagreenvillelibrary@gmail.com.
“I want young adults to know that I’m here to listen and I’m here to help,” she said.
McIvor said she enjoys reading fantasy, science fiction, romance and graphic novels. She said she especially likes books with unusual narrators, such as “The One and Only Ivan,” which is narrated by a gorilla, or “The Book Thief,” which is narrated by death.
Her favorite book of all time is “The Princess Bride,” and she said she is thrilled that “The Baby-Sitters Club” is back thanks to Netflix.
Besides books, McIvor enjoys movie soundtracks, anime, and dinosaurs. She lived in Japan for one year while working for the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, and received her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California.
