About me...
OK, just who is Nancy Keane anyway? We've used the site and read the books but still don't know who she is!
Well, I am just another lover of children's literature just like you. I was raised in Massachusetts and have lived in Vermont, Ireland and now in New Hampshire. When I was little, my mother introduced me to the joys of reading. She wrote short stories for magazines and school readers and loved sharing her joy with me. I loved to read but, alas, I was not a good reader -- according to the school standards. So, I served a stint in the remedial reading class. I must admit I didn't feel I belonged there. I read just fine. I was just a very slow reader so when I had to share a book with another student, I simply didn't read the whole page before the other student turned the page. Well, after a time in remedial reading, I learned how to fake it for the teacher and they let me out. I am still a slow reader but I don't worry about it anymore. I love language and read and reread at my own pace.
After graduating from high school, I left the small town life and headed off to University of Massachusetts, Amherst. I had never seen so many people in one place. I loved it! It was there that I got a job in the library. It was a work-study job as part of my financial aid but I absolutely loved it. Being around books all day was a privilege. Actually, I usually tried to get the night shift at the circulation desk. When it was quiet, I got to sit and read. So, after four years and a degree in psychology, what else was I prepared for? You got it. A job in a library. I got a job in an academic library as a clerk typist. Now, I know I'm dating myself but my first full time job was typing the headings on the top of the catalog cards!
After a couple of years as a para-professional, I decided it was time to get my master's degree and become a "real" librarian. So, off I headed south and went to University of Rhode Island. Acutally, Simmons was my first choice seeing as how it was across the street from Fenway Park and I'm a die-hard Red Sox fan. But, I couldn't afford the cost so I went to URI. And boy am I glad I did. I met a great group of people and had some wonderful professors. I also got a work-study job at the reserve desk. So, nights and weekends you could find me sitting at the desk -- reading!
After I got my degree, I had a few positions before I found my true calling. I've had jobs as a cataloger in academic libraries. I've worked as the night and weekend librarian at a public library. I helped set up a library in a medical office. I even worked as a library director at a small college. But, my true passion is working as a school librarian. And, believe it or not, I love working with middle school kids. They are a very interesting bunch! So, for the past couple of decades, I've been a school librarian in New Hampshire. I have also been very involved in technology and earned a MA in Educational Technology a few years ago. I am now working on my doctoral degree and am looking at the social web and the educational applications it holds.
I still love to read and have shared many of my favorites with my own children. My daughter has blessed me with my two grandsons. And now I can share more stories with the boys as the years go by.
When I'm not at work or spending time with my family, I keep very busy. In addition to my webpages and books, I also promote reading through a television show. Kids' Book Beat airs monthly on our local cable channel, CCTV. Shows have included students talking about their favorites, guest booktalkers, a story teller and local authors. I have developed and taught several online classes in children's literature as well.
Computers have also become my fascination. I am on the adjunct faculty of the Computer Dept. at New Hampshire Technical Institute. Distance education has always interested me -- especially while living in rural areas. I have been fortunate to be involved with several online learning initiatives.
Now you probably know more than you ever could have wanted to!