Editor’s Note: Today’s Chambana Dad to Know is sponsored by the Champaign Public Library. Have you seen the “Show Some Library Love” campaign? Well, private contributions of any size will help support the Champaign Public Library — gifts that can make the difference between a good library and a truly extraordinary one.
Because he likes to laugh a lot, April Fool’s Day is one of 39-year-old Aaron Carlin’s favorite days of the year. Whether he’s the prankster or the butt of a good natured joke, Aaron’s always ready to up the mirth in any given room. Aaron is a Library Associate with over 9 years experience at the Champaign Public Library who also recently completed his Master’s Degree at the University of Illinois Graduate School of Library and Information Science.
Aaron and his wife Michelle met in the church nursery where they volunteered so other parents could attend the services without distraction. Today they have three very creative and funny children: 11-year-old Kaleena, 6-year-old Lucas and 20-month-old Hutson; and a four-year-old Chocolate Labrador, Mocha.
See why we think Aaron Carlin is a Chambana dad to know.
Q: I understand you grew up in a very small town and did not have access to a public library. How has that impacted your experience working at the library now?
I experienced major culture shock in that regard. Not having a library at all growing up and then seeing how crucial this one is to the benefit of our community, it invigorates me knowing that each and every person who comes through these doors is better off for having come in. This feeling is something that has grown in me over the past nine years from when I started and has amplified through each new experience I encounter. I proudly tell everyone where I work nowadays and promote our services at length to friends and family.
Q: Why are you so passionate about your job?
The opportunities that modern day libraries provide make me feel like anything is possible if you’re willing to take the time to learn and put some effort into it. From top notch computer instruction, to homebound delivery service, to engaging with and teaching children pre-literacy skills through story times, to hosting an abundant collection of popular materials, we have something for everyone. I don’t just work here; I’m very much a user as well. It hearkens back when I was a young comic book reader who wanted to make a difference in the world and help people. This way I have all the Super Hero feelings of accomplishment, but none of the Super Villain dangers. I’d still like to fly like Superman though.
Q: Tell us something about a library service that you think more people should know about.
Thanks to an ‘Eliminate the Digital Divide’ grant, various departments in our library from Children’s Services, Teen, Adult Services, and our Douglass Branch have Kindle eReaders jammed full of books that we loan out to Champaign card holders for two weeks at a time. Yes, you can take them home and read, read, read for two whole weeks. They are regularly updated with new titles as well. If you’re unsure about taking the plunge in deciding to buy your own eReader, this is the perfect way for you to test the waters free of charge.
Another much needed service we provide is computer instruction. Despite how much the internet has become a way of life for us, there are still many people who lack the skills necessary to do even basic searches or apply online for jobs. We host classes and provide scheduling for one-on-one sessions to help people learn the tools they need to stay ahead. Some examples for one-on-one sessions include learning about eReaders, tablets, smartphones, and even basic computer instruction. If you’ve got a question, we’ve got the answer.
Q: You now have three children – how has having your children affected your work with children at the library?
You mean aside from when they were infants and I was up all night and drowsy all day? I can’t detect any difference. I’ve always been able to channel that inner child within me. It allows me to be completely silly and engage with kids of all shapes and sizes. In all fairness, I probably wouldn’t be able to have conversations with library kids about Lego Ninjago, Ben 10, or Monster High if it weren’t for my own kids’ interest in said properties. I could hold my own for hours talking about Transformers as that seems to be a lifelong obsession of mine. When you’re in a situation like this, you see a lot of the same kids over the weeks, months, and years. You feel as if in some small way, they’re yours as well, and you want the best for them. I do my best to make their experience here meaningful and memorable.
Q: We celebrated Veteran’s Day this week. As a veteran – I would like to thank you for your service. How did your military service shape who you are today?
You’re welcome. I’m grateful for the men and women who came before and after me as well. The Navy took in a wildly individual and creative 19 year old kid longing to get out and explore the world. It taught me how to pay attention to detail, work as a team member, and instilled in me a focus on leadership, safety, and quality control. When I received my Honorable Discharge I was still my fiercely individual and creative self, just refined in the sense that I felt more comfortable with the bigger picture around me. I came away with the immense pride of having made it through the challenge of Boot Camp and then going on to serve for five years. The free trip around the world had quite a bit to do with it too.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do with your family in C-U?
We regularly walk around Meadowbrook Park in Urbana. It offers such peace and tranquility as well as much needed exploration adventures for our kids. We ride bikes, we go swimming in one of the two amazing local pools, and we camp. On special occasions we love going to the movies and loading up on popcorn. If you’re a parent, you know how stressful eating out can be with little ones sometimes, so I treasure taking my wife Michelle out on dates to different restaurants when we can.
Q: Since Thanksgiving is coming – what are you thankful for this holiday season?
It goes without saying that I’m thankful for my family, but I’ll say it anyway. Thank you to my love and wife, Michelle who is everything. I’m thankful for my children who give me hope that I’m doing something right. I’m thankful for my parents who encourage me and helped shape me. I’m thankful for my sister and brother who still look out after their little brother. I’m also blessed with in-laws, many nieces and nephews who all make my life richer.
I have the best job working in the Children’s Services Dept. at the Champaign Public Library. No they’re not paying me to say that. The whole staff is made up of tremendously great and talented people that I love to work with. I truly enjoy my work in the public library sphere and hope to one day fill a larger role in helping the public library be an integral part of society in the future.
Lastly I’m thankful to be a part of Chambana Dads to Know. I appreciate getting to tell my story and brag about my family.
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