Lydia M. Sigwarth - Click to see all titles by this author.

“Libraries are one of the only places where kids have freedom.”

“Library Lydia” is an author and Community Engagement Librarian for the Dubuque County Library District in Iowa. She started volunteering at her library when she was 15 years old and worked as a Librarian for many years in Wisconsin. Libraries have always been her home.

Lydia was inspired to write Dear Librarian after reconnecting with her Librarian, Mrs. S., during an interview with This American Life podcast. The episode, The Room of Requirement: Act Three: Growing Shelf Awareness by Stephanie Foo, delves into Lydia’s connection to the library and how it provided solace for her family during their homeless experience.

At the age of 5, Lydia and her parents and six siblings left Colorado to move to Iowa. Her dad was in search of a new job, and the family stayed with relatives and family. She recalled walking into the library: “It was my favorite part of each day, …all day, almost every day, for six months.” The library provided a cozy, warm, quiet, and haven for Lydia. Her favorite spot was next to Mrs. S., the librarian, where she made her requests. Mrs. S. carefully selected books that Lydia could relate to and find healing in. Her compassion and kindness inspired Lydia to pursue a career as a children’s librarian.

Dear Librarian serves as a heartfelt tribute to those who create supportive spaces for children during challenging times. It celebrates the true capacity of libraries and librarians, emphasizing the power of compassion and a sense of belonging. Within those quiet corners, joy, friendship, and a feeling of home can be discovered.

Lydia says, “I'll have families that, I would say, most of the kids that are there all the time, it's because they don't want to be home or don't have a stable home. And I hope I'm doing the same thing for my kids. It's so important to me I am someone else’s safe place now.”