By William Smith
Community Editor
It’s been more than a year since Burlington librarian Sam Helmick, 35, left town to pursue an opportunity at the Iowa City Public Library. Now, she is president-elect of the Iowa Library Association.
“It’s quite humbling to be called to serve as president-elect, especially during such a crucial time in the field,” she said.
It’s a unique time to be a librarian, particularly with the role of books and censorship bursting forth on the political and educational scene. Last year, Helmick said, the American Library Association reported more than 273 attempts to ban or challenge books.
Helmick is taking the battle against censorship head-on.
“I hope to focus on preparing library workers and their communities in facing calls for censorship and material bans. Book challenges have significantly increased in the last year,” she said. “As president-elect, I want to facilitate transparent, good faith discussions on the library’s role in championing First Amendment access to free speech and the right to read for all Iowans.”
Helmick is the community and access services coordinator for the Iowa City Public Library, managing circulation, public relations, marketing, outreach, and bookmobile services for the library.
She rides a motorcycle now too – something she never did in Burlington.
“It has enabled me to connect with new people and develop new skills. I’m hoping to attempt flying lessons before I’m 40 which gives me about five years to figure it out,” she said.
Blessed with a hungry intellect tempered only by social insecurity, the Burlington Public Library was the perfect place for Helmick to lose herself.
“I wasn’t a very social butterfly, so I kind of late-bloomed here,” she said.
Emerging from her shell, Helmick grew into a voice of stability for the Burlington community. Her humility and desire to make others comfortable have always defined her.
“Sometimes, it’s just easier to be a cheerleader,” she said. “I want everyone to know they are welcome here, and they are wanted here.”
In the wake of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic,Helmick was a driving force behind the Burlington Public Library’s shift to online delivery and services.
Helmick’s interests span the gamut from pop culture to world history. But the mainstays of her life have always been the same — faith, academics, and her mother.
The middle child of seven siblings, Helmick spent her elementary years at the now-defunct West Avenue Baptist Christian School. During high school, her mother became one of her teachers.
Helmick continued to flourish academically, earning master's degrees while devising and using metrics to analyze what the public wants from libraries. Helmick became a marketing author, taking her presentations to Toronto, Canada, and beyond.
Helmick had been with the Burlington Public Library for 13 years, and volunteered there before that. That’s when her college studies shifted to library sciences.
“I just fell in love while I was volunteering,” she said.
November marked Helmick’s one-year anniversary away from home, a home she has carried with her.
“Moving away from Greater Burlington for the first time in my life, amidst a global pandemic, has been the catalyst for long, uncertain moments. However, walking forward in faith, folding in time for gratitude and to acknowledge growth (however small), and holding those who have encouraged, challenged, and guided me close to my heart has made the journey meaningful,” she said.