It has gone better than Sharon Roche ever envisioned.

Roche was excited when she learned the Quarryville Library was getting a summer intern, but could not have anticipated just how well Devon Culberson would fit in.

"Having Devon here is the best thing that has happened this summer," said Roche, who is the branch's children's librarian. "Devon has brought a whole new element to the library. She's made my life easier this summer. I have been able to do more and do it a little bit easier."

A local philanthropy group connected Culberson with the library. "Putting Others First (POF) approached us after hearing about our budget woes and asked how they could help," Roche said. "Our director, Michele (Lefler), and I sat down, and I said the most critical problem we have right now is staff short shortages for summer. So we pitched the idea of an internship, and (POF) liked it."

POF mentioned that it had someone in mind. "I received one of their scholarships at Solanco, and they had contacted me later to offer to continue the scholarship, which was very generous of them," said Culberson, who will be a sophomore at Dickinson College this fall. "We've stayed in touch."

Culberson, who is planning to double major in English and anthropology with a minor in Spanish, was ecstatic about the opportunity. "I was overjoyed because I've always worked in food jobs, and I've always kind of fantasized about having a job in a library, but not necessarily as a career," she said. "It sounded like something that I would enjoy."

Culberson works 35 hours per week with her schedule dependent on when she is needed most. She assists with a variety of tasks. Working alongside Roche during children's programs, Culberson helps with check-in, organizes activities, and sets up and takes down tables and chairs.

When there are no children's programs occurring, Culberson makes sure there are coloring pages available for kids and keeps the prize box stocked. She also sorts books by age groups. "She's been helping with all of the inputting of the summer reading programs so that we can keep track of the statistics," Roche said.

Culberson has been equally adept at following instructions and showing initiative. "I really appreciate that everyone here is very clear about how important communication is," she said. "It's been a lot of fun. I really appreciate that there's direction. Like I know the goals that I'm supposed to be meeting, but they give me a lot of creative freedom."

One example of the freedom is Found Poetry Corner. Culberson explained that "found poetry" involves using a pre-existing text - such as a newspaper or a page from an old book - and rearranging, highlighting, circling, and boxing or blacking out words to create a poem. She set up an exhibit to display the works.

Roche and Culberson visited Solanco High School in the spring, and Roche credits the intern with almost singlehandedly rejuvenating the library's teen reading group, which had struggled mightily since COVID.

Culberson's skills came in handy when the library recently held a migrant education program. Culberson, who is fluent in Spanish, helped explain the stations and translated when called upon.

Roche also said she appreciated receiving a different perspective. "New eyes looking at things can make things better," she said. "And she has done that for me. She has looked at things and kind of saying, 'Why do we do it this way?' And in a very kind and gentle way. She fits in with the staff fantastically. She's a team player. She's up always very paying attention to every detail of what's going on in a very busy day."

Culberson's last day at the library will be Saturday, Aug. 2. Two days later, she and the Dickinson cross-country team will head to Portugal.

Culberson noted that she believes her stint at the library will be beneficial at college. "I'm really grateful for this opportunity," she said. "I feel like the ability to communicate and work with people is really important. And I've never really interacted with younger kids before, but if I do want to pursue an English major and maybe consider teaching, that is a very valuable experience. Also, I feel like being able to manage my time since I am self-directed is really helpful because I am able to know what I need to do and how long it's going to take for me to do that."

Both Roche and Culberson are relishing their waning time together at the library. "I think the thing that impresses me the most is it doesn't matter if she has four minutes left in the (work) day, she'll come to me and say, 'Is there anything else that you could think of that I should be doing?'" Roche said. "Every minute of the day, she wants to make sure she's giving value. It's just a real pleasure to be with her, and she's a great addition to our team. I'll miss her when she goes, but we're happy for what we've got."