Librarian followed logical career path

Being a librarian was a logical career choice for Jennie Feinberg.

"I have an undergraduate degree in English, and most people go into teaching with that, but I wanted to find something in the educational field that wasn't in the traditional classroom environment," said the young adult librarian for the Augusta Public Library. "So, I went to graduate school for library science. It was a natural fit."

Ms. Feinberg has worked with the East Central Georgia Regional Library system since March 2005 and became the library's young adult librarian in the summer of 2006.

Before joining the system, she worked at the public library in North Augusta while earning her master's degree.

That was where she first became interested in working with teens, she said.

"What draws me to this particular age group is that it's a population that has, in the past, been underserved by public libraries," she said. "It's not that way anymore. Libraries across the nation are working to include teens and offer programs just for them. I enjoy being able to serve them and helping to make the library a place they want to visit."

Her duties include ordering young adult materials, planning programs and contests for teens and serving as a reference librarian for patrons of all ages.

One of her goals is to get teens interested in reading, whether it's Pride and Prejudice, a Seventeen magazine or blogs, she said.

"When they start to read more of anything, it'll open them up to the joy of reading. The point is to get them to start reading and make it a habit," she said. "We really want them to become lifelong readers."

Making connections with teens often means getting guidance from them on the programs and books they would like to have, Ms. Feinberg said.

"I've found out that the best way to offer what they want is to ask them and not guess," she said. "I want them to know that I'm willing to listen and I'm always available to hear their suggestions."

For more information on the library's teen programs visit ecgrl.com or myspace.com/augusta teenscene.

Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.