This summer, we had the opportunity to welcome two marketing interns to our library team. Sydney and Ainsley brought creativity, fresh perspectives, and enthusiasm to our team through photography, videography, graphic design, and community outreach. As they wrap up their internships, they reflect on what they learned, the experiences that shaped them, and the moments they’ll remember long after the summer ends.
Sydney
Ainsley and Sydney filming a social media reel
When HEPL’s marketing director, Kelsey, followed my LinkedIn and asked me to apply for a summer internship, I submitted my portfolio immediately. Digital storytelling at one of my favorite places in my hometown? Sign me up! As a media student in high school and now college, I’ve done a lot of photography, videography, and editing. Until now, I’d only created news and fictional media, since my career intention was television production. I never did much social media, and I certainly never saw myself in marketing. This job opened up a world of possibilities for me.
The crux of my internship was photographing events and creating reels for social media, but joining a marketing team showed me so much more I can do with my media degree. I learned social media analytics, found new, creative ways to draw all ages’ attention to aspects of the library, and, perhaps my favorite, represented HEPL and all it has to offer.
My videography background sparked Kelsey’s idea to transform ‘This Week at HEPL’ posts from a still graphic into a reel. Each week, I picked events that needed promotion and created a video talking to patrons about them. I was thrilled when these reels drove increased engagement to our social media. They also earned me the honor of being recognized in public as ‘Library Girl,’ and that alone proves to me how special this library community is.
Sydney’s favorite photo from this summer
This summer let me enhance my media skills while showing me a side to my degree I hadn’t considered. There are endless possibilities in the media field. Whether I choose television or find myself back in library marketing, I am so grateful to HEPL, particularly Kelsey and the marketing team, for letting me try something new, be creative, and get to know the inner workings of a place I’ve always loved.
Whoever is ‘Library Girl’ next, you’re in for something special.
Ainsley
The library has always held a special place in my heart, ever since I was a kid. Growing up in Fishers with my mom as a teacher and an avid reader, there was always something for me at Hamilton East Public Library. When the opportunity for an internship opened up, I didn’t think twice! I knew I wanted to apply my skills in any way I could, as well as learn more about everything the library has to offer.
Ainsley at library outreach
During my time here, I’ve been able to design and create materials that promote all sorts of resources and events. It was so exciting to find out about all the creative programming and deliver that message to the rest of our patrons. Working on the Discover Guide, I was able to learn so much about editorial work, building up my graphic design skills even further and strengthening my portfolio. After the final print was made, I loved seeing my work throughout the library and watching people gain so much from the information that was inside!
One of the parts I loved the most was when I volunteered at outreach events. Getting to know the community and watching them discover library resources allowed me to feel connected to Fishers in a profound way. One day, a kid came up to the stand and said he didn’t like to read. I smiled and told him about the library summer reading program and how he could earn prizes just by reading books. His entire face lit up, and he shouted, “Really!?” before ecstatically grabbing a free book from the stand and running off. I watched a kid start his reading journey right in front of me. I find that working and learning at the library makes impactful moments like that common, and I’m so happy I’ve been a part of it.
About the Authors
Sydney is an incoming sophomore at Miami University where she studies Media and Communication with a minor in Computer Science. Born and raised in Fishers, HEPL was a fundamental part of her lifelong love for reading and writing. She runs her own photography business and creates content for RedHawk Television at Miami.
Ainsley is a graduate from Bradley University after majoring in Animation and minoring in User Experience. As a summer marketing Intern, she focused on graphic and editorial design for marketing materials to promote events and resources. She is interested in nature, education, and is pursuing a career in art and design.