From organized bookshelves, students cramming for an upcoming test and conversations whispered between classmates, the library is a both dependable and welcoming space. Next year, this space will be without librarian Shelley Mains, who will retire after 15 years of working at BHS. Mains chose to retire earlier than she originally expected after budget deficits led to the cut of a librarian position.
Previously, Mains worked in public health through AIDS education and family planning counseling. She has always been drawn to books and libraries, as well as teaching people about information and how to use it. In 2009, she became a librarian and worked for one year in an elementary school, but came to Brookline the following year as she enjoyed the comparatively more urban environment.
She said ever since she was young, she felt like libraries were a safe place for everyone.
“Libraries can be places where kids who don’t necessarily feel good elsewhere can just feel good or just not even think about how they’re feeling,” Mains said. “I love that about libraries. There aren’t that many places in the world [where] anyone can come and be welcome.”
Throughout her time in the library, Mains has taught information literacy, worked one-on-one with students, helped seniors with college essays and advised clubs. Mains said the most rewarding part of her job is working with students and staff.
“The students are great, and I’ve probably learned more from students than students have learned from me,” Mains said. “The teachers are great. I’ve been lucky to work in public health and teaching, which I think are two fields that have some of the most committed, selfless, kind and smart professional people working in the field.”
Librarian Molly Wallner said Mains was her mentor in library school, and she is beyond grateful to have worked alongside her.
“She’s the only reason that I’m here at Brookline High School. I owe her so much gratitude,” Wallner said. “I feel like it’s just such a privilege to get to learn from her and see her at work, see the way that she interacts with the students and the curriculum and see her vision for what’s possible in the library.”
Junior and library volunteer Benjamin Ludwig said Mains’ contributions to the library are indispensable.
“I’m going to miss Ms. Mains’ competency. She’s so unbelievably good at her job that not having her is going to make doing anything in the school so much harder,” Ludwig said.
According to Mains, in the past 15 years, a lot has changed in the library. She said the evolution of technology, along with changing experiences in the greater school community, have helped her grow.
“Issues that students have brought to administration always opened my mind to new ways of thinking about the world through the eyes of people who are our future and who are going to be running the world,” Mains said.
Senior and library volunteer Audrey Chang said she will miss Mains’ spirit.
“I’m going to miss her bright energy that she brings every day to the library. I love talking to her so much, and she’s always been a great source of support, so I’m going to miss her presence in general,” Chang said.
While Mains said she looks forward to spending more time with family, reading and volunteering, she said leaving the library is difficult because there will be no replacement for her position.
“Leaving it bittersweet because, normally, I would be turning the reins over to somebody new who would be the future,” Mains said. “It feels like an ending instead of passing the torch. So for all that I’m happy about moving to my next chapter, I feel like the library is taking a step back, and that’s really heartbreaking.”
