We’re celebrating National Library Week! This year’s theme is “Find Your Joy,” and we’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on someone who embodies that spirit of joy every single day. Megan McDaniels, the Youth Services Librarian at the Northern Onondaga Public Library’s Brewerton branch, has made it her mission to spark curiosity and create experiences that kids and families genuinely look forward to. In just one year at NOPL, she’s already left a meaningful mark on the community — and we’re thrilled to recognize her as this month’s Family Times Educator of the Month.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a librarian, and what do you find most rewarding about working with children and families at NOPL?
I first learned about library school at Syracuse University through my best friend and cousin, who were both enrolled there and working on their degrees in Library Science. Their experiences sparked my interest, and I realized it was a path I would enjoy pursuing.
The most rewarding part of working with children and families is seeing the kids grow and celebrating their milestones with them. I love knowing that I’m helping spark their curiosity and supporting them on their journey to becoming lifelong learners, while also getting to know them personally and hearing about all the wonderful things they do outside the library.
Your Sensory Play and Scavenger Hunt programs have quickly become favorites in the community. What inspired these ideas, and what impact have you seen them make on kids and families?
Sensory Play emerged from a discussion with my manager, Erin, after a previous program didn’t achieve the results we hoped for. We wanted to create an opportunity for children to explore, experiment, and discover the world around them. I designed bins filled with a variety of engaging materials that children and their parents could enjoy together, making sensory play a fun, shared experience that fosters both learning and meaningful connections.
The Scavenger Hunt was a program that began before I joined NOPL Brewerton, and I’ve continued it because it’s a hit with everyone — from kids to adults. Participants love the thrill of searching for each clue, and it’s a fun way for them to learn about all the library has to offer. I can highlight different areas of the children’s section, giving families a chance to explore and discover together. The best part is seeing the children’s faces light up when they solve a clue and earn a prize.
You’ve partnered with local organizations to bring new experiences into the library. Can you share an example of a collaboration that really excited or inspired you?
I had the opportunity to spend a day at Paul V. Moore High School with Mrs. Aswad, the librarian there, leading a “Make Your Own Holiday Ornament” activity. I was truly inspired by the students’ creativity and excitement — they were enthusiastic and engaged throughout the project. It was wonderful to meet them, hear about what they’re studying, and learn about their interests. Their energy and curiosity reminded me why I love working with students and gave me fresh ideas for creating programs that are both fun and meaningful.
Representation in books is so important. How do you approach revitalizing the youth collection to ensure kids see themselves — and others — in the stories they read?
I enjoy selecting books that both children and their parents can enjoy, creating a collection that sparks curiosity and encourages shared reading experiences. I work to maintain a well-rounded selection with a variety of options, so every reader can find something they’ll enjoy. With the support of our NOPL Brewerton Friends group, I was able to build a section of books in Spanish, thoughtfully chosen with the help of Diandra Morse, who leads our Spanish Story Saturday program. We also offer Wonder Books — picture books that children can listen to — and I’m continuing to expand our collection to include books specifically for children who are struggling to read, helping every child develop confidence and discover the joy of reading.
Innovation seems to be a big part of your approach. What’s one new program or service you’ve tried recently that you’re especially proud of?
I hosted a marbled Oreo program, which allowed me to combine culinary skills with creativity. It was wonderful to see the variety of creations the kids came up with — from simple marbled Oreos to elaborate, imaginative designs. Watching their excitement as they completed their projects was really something special.
What advice would you give to other educators or librarians who want to engage children in creative, meaningful ways that encourage a love of learning?
Try to focus on things you enjoy doing and that you can share with the kids. Be open to trying new ideas and learning as you go — it’s all part of the fun. And if something doesn’t work out, don’t worry about it! We’ve all had programs that didn’t go as planned. Just think about what you might do differently next time, or accept that it didn’t work and move on. Not everything will go perfectly, and that’s okay.
This National Library Week, we’re grateful for educators like Megan who show up every day to make the library a place where kids can discover, create, and — in the spirit of this year’s theme — truly find their joy. Thank you, Megan, for everything you bring to the NOPL Brewerton community!
Looking for library events near you? Be sure to check out our CNY Events Calendar.
Know an educator who deserves a mention? We’d love to feature them! Email us at: [email protected]
