I, a young ice bear, have been on an adventure to learn more about the library, and so far, I've learned a lot! For those that don't know me, I am Vanilla Ice Bear, a member of the Children's team at the Main Library. I mostly help out with Story Time with my mom [Haylee Blystone] and can be seen involved in a variety of other projects. Recently, I have been traveling around the library system to seek out the coolest employees and learn what they do. This time, I went back to the Donelson Branch to talk to Destiny Bland. She works in circulation at Donelson and my research tells me she's really cool! Let's see what we'll learn from her!

Sitting down with Destiny Bland

Vanilla: Hi! Thank you so much for meeting with me. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet, but I'm Vanilla the Ice Bear!

Destiny: You look so cute! 

[Vanilla laughs]

D: I'm Destiny. I'm a circulation assistant here at the Donelson Branch. 

V: For the people at home who don't know what circulation means, what does circulation assistant entail?

D: We’re pretty much the glue. I like to say we are the ones that, well everyone does it, but typically we are the ones that check items in and out book study rooms, both for patrons and for staff. We as well, make sure that items are in the correct spots. We're kind of like the back end of everything, making sure that things are on display so that patrons can get them. That information is out to the patrons so they can get it, as well as the organization. We are the skeletal system, if you will, of just how the library runs and how information and items are put out.

V: That’s a lot!

D: Yeah, it's a lot, but it's actually fun too, especially if you're not from the community. You get to learn about people that live here.

V: That's a fun way to look at it! Being at the desk means you get to talk to people and talking to people can't be fun. I hope it's fun. 

[Vanilla looks at Destiny for assurance]

D: It is fun! It is. I’ve learned so much. 

V: Learning is important. 

D: Yeah, we learn every day. 

V: So, what's something cool that you've gotten to learn about while you've been on the desk? Public facing, I would say. 

D: Last week I met this man who has a business that he just opened right across from Donelson, and I thought that was extremely cool to with interact with a businessperson one on one. Being able to hear his process on how he did it and why he's doing it, and then also providing help because he needed printing. 

V: So you helped him print and then you got to learn a little bit about the Donelson community. 

D: Yes. 

V: That's so cool! 

D: Yes! The Donelson community seems, I don't want to say tight knit, but it definitely seems like everyone are pretty close. Everyone seems to really know what's going on around here for sure.

V: That's really cool! So how long have you been doing circulation here? 

D: I would say I've been doing circulation for about three to four months. I started in October.

V: And did you do that before? Were you in libraries before?

D: Yes. I was working as a library assistant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. So I was doing circulation as well as programming and also being in the heart of the library, speaking to patrons and providing services for them. And I was doing that for about two years before I went to something else. 

V: Okay, so that sounds similar to the library associates here. 

D: Yes. 

V: So you were more of a library associate, and then you are now doing circulation. Do you plan on becoming a library associate? 

D: Absolutely. As soon as it opens, I'm going right into that!

V: Are you trying to do that here at Donelson? Are you keeping your options open? 

D: Keeping my options open. 

V: Smart!

[Both laugh]

V: How did you decide to go into libraries? Did you go to school for English or library science, or did you just discover love for the library later? 

D: I grew up in the library, so whenever I was little, I started going to the library when I was 6 years old and became really engulfed in the community there, with the employees there. And then 10 years old, I was like, this is what I want to do. 

V: I love that!

D: I'm a bookworm, so by default, I want to be where books are. And then when I was, I want to say 19 or 20 years old is when I applied to work at the library in my hometown. And then I got the job, started working there, and I was like, I want to stay and keep doing this.

V: Were you in college when you did that, or did you go to college? 

D: I went to community school and then, unfortunately, it was during Covid, so I didn't get to finish. I’m in the process of going back.

V: I forget sometimes how much Covid really affected everybody. Like how much of an impact that really had on people. 

D: I graduated in 2020 and then went straight to college, but then because of verification with financial aid, it didn't work out. 

V: You graduated high school in 2020? 

D: Yes. 

V: Omg. My mom [Haylee Blystone] graduated high school in 2014!

[Destiny laughs]

V: So, you're in the process of going back to school? Admirable. Love it. Are you going to go to school for library stuff or are you seeking a different passion? 

D: Both. I'm going to get a degree in history, but I'm going to further my schooling and master’s degree or a master’s program for library science. 

V: History?!

D: Yes. 

V: And what does that look like? 

D: I am a huge advocate of history, so I specifically want to study African history there.

V: Okay. 

D: And if it wasn't working at the library, then I would definitely be working in the education system, for sure. 

V: Okay. 

D: And because Bowling Green has some programs where I could do that, I was always down to do it. Although if it wasn't working in education, then I was working with kids to have autism, because I did that for two years, too. I'm kind of like, all over the place, for real. 

V: Wow. Those are very different, but still really, really important things. So either direction, like, you're going to do something amazing. That's so cool!

I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kentucky any more

V: So that kind of leads to my next question because I wanted to talk about Black History Month. So, I mean, if you want to go to school to learn about that stuff, it seems like you're probably an expert!

[Destiny laughs]

V: So, as a young polar bear, I don't know a lot about Black History Month, so I would like to know what Black History Month means to you.

D: I feel like it's for us, our voices being heard and us being able to tell our stories, our history, our culture. Because one of the biggest things that I was taught and one of the things that I advocate very strongly is that we are not a monolith. There are so many different aspects and layers and levels to us that a lot of people don't know because they're so caught up on the stereotypes or what some of the voices in our community have gotten to share. But they're so much more to us. 

V: That was so well spoken.

[Vanilla looks at Destiny in awe]

V: I'm not saying I don't know what this word means, but for the people who might not know, what is a monolith? 

D: To paraphrase, monolith is kind of like the same of everything. There is no difference. 

V: That's for the people at home. I know what that means. 

[Destiny laughs]

V: So, what I know about Black History Month is that it's a celebration of black culture and how awesome it is to be black. My mom's black, so I know a little bit, but I don't want to speak on it because I'm not, but I think that's really well spoken. It's really beautiful.

[Pause to collect thoughts]

V: So, being here at Donelson, has there been any cool Black History Month things like displays, or has there been a program that you really liked? 

D: The displays have been absolutely beautiful, I feel like. The people that have contributed to it are bringing out books that not a lot of people would consider or even think that came from a black author. So, I think the displays are absolutely beautiful.

V: There was also a movie that we watched, Black Panther!

D: That was a good movie. 

V: It was. 

D: I really enjoyed watching it. 

V: I hadn't seen it before! It covered a lot of conversations without covering it, if that makes sense. It's like addressing race and those kinds of issues, but with the fog of a superhero movie. So, it's like you think you're just watching this really cool superhero movie, but then you're also hearing about these kinds of heavy topics. This is to the people at home: Black Panther. Watch it. 

[Destiny laughs]

V: Of the displays. Do you have a favorite?

D: Honestly, just because I'm a sucker for the story realm of children. I like the display in the Children's department. I'm not gonna lie. I think it's so cute and adorable. 

V: It is really cool. Who made that one? Was that the one Sonja [Humphries, Librarian 2 at Donelson] made? 

D: Yes, I think so. 

V: Shoutout Sonja!

[Both laugh]

V: Have you seen the scavenger hunt that they are doing in the children’s department?

D: Yes. I feel like that's unique, and it also kind of challenges the kiddos a little bit more. And there's, like, more incentives. I love that. 

V: Yes! I believe Dixie [Johnson, Program Coordinator in Special Collections] and my mom worked on it together. And the idea was that it would teach the youth a little bit about black history, but they still get the fun scavenger hunt that they're looking for every month. So at its heart, it is the same scavenger hunt, but it has been changed to fit Black History Month. So hopefully people are learning about some cool facts like why are Black History Month those colors [red, green, yellow, and black]? It could be any colors, but they're those. Do you know why? 

D: I have a vague idea why. Yes. Which sounds terrible because it's like, you're black. The colors represent the different stories and focuses on the community we all relate or struggle with.

V: Well, I don't know if this is something that is covered in school or not, or if you have to seek it out, but I know that each color represents something different that relates to black culture. The little scavenger hunt sheet says what each color represents.

V: So if you could do a program here for Black History Month, what would it be? 

D: I feel like maybe like a show and tell. 

V: A show and tell? 

D: Yes. People could bring out what they have found or researched that is involved in Black History and how it has impacted or how they have appreciated the discovery.

V: But would our lighter or fairer skinned friends be able to participate? 

D: For sure! So that everyone can learn and see.

V: That could be like another celebration!

D: Yeah! 

V: That would be really cool!

D: For sure. 

V: Changing gears a little bit. Have you visited any of the other libraries? I know you've only been in the system for a little bit. 

D: Yes, I have. For orientation. So work wise. And then also, before getting hired here, I was interviewed for Inglewood, and then there was another branch, Edmondson Pike. Then in 2024, I visited the Madison branch and fell in love with that branch. 

V: It is a beautiful branch and the children's section is amazing. 

D: Yeah!

V: Lisa [Bubert, Librarian 2 at Madison] does a really awesome job! I was mostly asking just to see if you had seen what other locations do for Black History Month. 

D: I haven't seen that part, no. But I would like to explore that for sure, because I have a couple off days. 

V: Look at you! Well, I know some of the other locations are doing, like, these really special story times where they're bringing guests in or they're having, like, community events. Like some people are going out to do outreach with the community for Black History Month. 

D: That's fun! I feel like, I wish circulation could be a part of that more. I mean, we can volunteer, but it's like, we can only do so much. 

V: I think you guys can volunteer for Pride, though. 

D: Okay!

V: So as soon as those come out, if you want to do it, you should sign up. My mom does it every year. It's really fun! 

D: Yeah, I think it would be really exciting! 

V: That reminded me, did you get to see the Black History Month story time that they did here? 

D: No, I didn't, but I heard about it. 

V: Yeah. I didn't get to see it, but my mom saw it and told me, and she said it was amazing. Miss Destiny had Wolfgang [Bronner, Library Associate at Donelson] and Elliott Robinson from Special Collections. Wolfgang read I Am My Ancestors' Wildest, which is such a cute book. And he has the perfect voice for Story Time.

D: He really does. 

V: Elliott sang a book which was really cool. Instead of reading it, he chose to sing it and everyone in the audience sang too. I heard it was really beautiful.

D: I heard that it was really amazing. 

V: I think that we should do more of those outside of February. 

D: Yes. Or, like the show-and-tell I mentioned earlier! That would allow more stories and knowledge about other aspects in the black community that many may not know.

V: I don't want to speak for anybody, I’m just a polar bear, but I think that we should be able to do things like this outside of the designated months.

D: There are black people in every month. Yes. 

V: We don't have to have a special holiday to celebrate it. Right?

D: Exactly. Yeah. So, I know that that's a good start to do it in the month that it's supposed to be, but we can branch out. 

V: We should do more things. 

D: I agree. That's a good point. 

V: Before we wrap up, let me see if I have any other fun questions to ask. You said you’re from Kentucky?

D: I am from Bowling Green, Kentucky. 

V: Okay, that's perfect. Is it true that KFC is from Kentucky? Is that real or is that just a market thing? 

[Destiny laughs]

D: I think it's marketing thing. Because for real, for real, it's not good. 

V: You don't like KFC!? 

D: No, I feel like if you want it authentic, then that's something that you kind of find someone there to make it homemade. Otherwise, you're not getting the experience you think. 

V: I feel like I've been lied to. KFC's not good, and it's not from Kentucky. 

D: I'm pretty sure this might be just a random fun fact, but the first KFC that was franchised was in Salt Lake, Utah. Which is really weird to me. I guess it's like, the idea that, oh, it's from Kentucky and it sounds better. Kentucky Fried Chicken. 

V: Wow. You heard it here first, folks. KFC is not real. 

[Vanilla takes a minute]

V: Well, you're in Tennessee now. You live in Tennessee, yes?

D: Yes.

V: Okay. Just checking. 

D: I live here.

V: And how do you like it so far? 

D: I like it a lot. I feel like I've met so many different people from different backgrounds that I didn't get to be exposed to in Bowling Green. I like Nashville. 

V: We are like a melting pot of everybody. Everybody comes to Nashville, which can be annoying for natives, but hey what can you do?

D: I feel like it's a beautiful thing to have that, because coming from a place where it's there, but not as big as Nashville, I feel like having a melting pot of everyone is so much better than it being exclusive. 

V: That's true. Well, my next question about Tennessee. Have you had a Moon Pie?

D: I have.

V: You know, they're from here. 

D: Oh!

V: Yes. Moon Pies are from Tennessee!

D: I did not know that.

V: Have you had Mountain Dew? 

D: Yes. 

V: Also from Tennessee!

D: To be fair, I don't like Mountain Dew. 

V: You don't like Mountain Dew? 

D: No, but there's nothing against it. We can still do the Moon Pies. 

V: Like the ones at the store!

D: Are there different ones?

V: I mean, they're all the machine made ones. But you can go to the Moon Pie Store and they have more flavors. Maybe Tennessee exclusive flavors? There's a place in Chattanooga and you can find like the Moon Pie Hub. 

D: Really? 

V: Yeah. Also in Chattanooga is the Little Debbie park. So if you want, I don't know if that's Tennessee, but I know that that's here. I've only been once. When you're from here, you don't do those things because you're like, I've lived here my whole life. I feel like, that's like a tourist thing.

 D: True, but it's like, I want to see what you guys are doing. 

V: That's true. Okay, my last Tennessee related question. How do you feel about Dolly Parton? 

[Long pause]

D: She's great. 

V: Okay, good. You know, we had a library card with her on. It's pretty exclusive. 

D: I've heard that it was a very popular.

V: It was! I’m glad you answered yes, because it's like, well, you know, she's our treasure. And she did partner with the library for those super awesome library cards.

D: I love her voice!

V: I'm trying to think if I have any other library related questions. 

D: Hey, it's circulation. It seems like we don’t do much, but we do a lot. We are the face and the structure of the library system

V: You guys do a lot! Circulation is the backbone of the library. Like, without circulation, the library can't run, and I truly believe that. You guys are doing everything!

D: Yeah, I think it's just like an adjusting for me, because coming from a branch where I was more what you consider a library associate. It's just like everything. It's like I'm doing all circulation minus what I was doing as far as like outreach and programming. 

V: I feel like that's how it should be. Like, share the love around for everybody. Like, circulation wants to leave the building, too. I feel like you should be allowed to, that way it also builds relationships and have more patrons to come. They're like, oh, you work at this branch. Let me go there. 

D: Exactly. 

V: Do you have any final things you want the people to know?

D: Oh, that's putting me on the spot. 

V: It could be anything. 

D: I would say just come to the branch. Come to the libraries. There are so many resources that you guys probably are not aware of. Ten times out of ten, the library has it. 

V: That is true. Come to your local library. It doesn't have to be Donelson. Could be anyone. We got 21 locations!

D: For real. 

[Both laugh]

V: Thank you for joining me!

D: Thank you for having me. You're going to have to have me again. We can't just be like this!

[Vanilla laughs]

V: We'll see what we can do.