ALSC Profile | May 2025
On hiatus since the beginning of 2024, ALSC Profiles are back in ALSC Matters! In recent years, profiles have focused on members with 25 years of membership. Moving forward, we are opening up participation. Profiles will once again introduce our readers to ALSC members, no matter what phase of their career they are in. We are thrilled to have ALSC Profiles back and hope you enjoy "meeting" your colleagues through this column.
Josette Schneider
Youth Librarian
Kansas City Public Library-Central Library
Kansas City, Missouri
ALSC Membership: 5 years
Where did you attend library school?
University of Missouri- Columbia
What was your very first library position?
I was a fifth grade teacher while getting my degree and always planned to be an elementary school librarian. However, I ended up taking some time off after my daughter was born. When I finally decided to put that MLIS to work, I found a part-time early literacy associate position at the Mid-Continent Public Library in Independence, Missouri. I fell in love with programming (especially storytime) and never looked back!
What do you love most about your current job?
Any opportunity to build community brings me so much joy! I love creating a welcoming space where children and families can come together, connect over shared experiences, and feel a sense of belonging. Whether they are regulars or just passing through, I want each visitor to feel at home in our library. And it’s even better when they leave with some great new books too!
Do you have any pets?
I have three cats all under the age of two. Teddy is an orange tabby, and while he may be the oldest and biggest, he’s definitely not the alpha. That honor goes to my tiny tortoiseshell Penny, who bosses her older brothers around, but is also the most affectionate. And while I love them all, my best buddy is Cosmo, our grumpy ball of fluff with one gold eye, one blue eye, and an internal clock that tells him exactly when it’s time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (even on the weekends when we want to sleep in).
What's your favorite book of all time?
Ooof, such a hard question! Probably either The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller or Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson, but right now I’m loving the Hooky series by Míriam Bonastre Tur because my middle schooler actually wants to hang out with me to discuss it :)
Do you prefer being the driver or the passenger?
Metaphorically? I don’t mind making decisions. Literally? Passenger princess for life.
What is the best compliment you ever received?
A storytime family once told me I was the real-life version of Joy from Inside Out. I’m not sure how true that is, but it’s given me something to strive for!
Are you more comfortable in your kitchen or in your living room?
Definitely my living room. While I love to eat, cooking is my least favorite chore, and nothing beats curling up on the couch with a blanket and a good book or TV show.
