When someone visits the library, they’ll often stop by the information desk. Whatever the question is, a librarian should have an answer.
That’s where Shelby Fordham, a youth and early literacy associate at the East Independence branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library, spends much of her day. But before she even gets to the front desk, she and her coworkers spend hours reshelving and pulling hundreds of books for patrons who have holds. When Fordham has a youth program or meeting, she has to do that after the full day of work she’s already put in.
Lately, Fordham said, her job has gotten harder. She said she’s not paid a livable wage, has worked during severe weather, doesn’t get much sick time or paid time off and has continued working in the building even when the plumbing, electricity or internet is out…