Growing up, I always enjoyed reading and visited my local public library regularly. My first real job was shelving books at a local public library while I was in high school. After a few years of working at that library and shortly before the deadline to enroll in my college’s teaching program, I decided to pursue a career in libraries instead.
I’ve been in libraries now for over twenty years, working at three public libraries and a high school library. I’ve held both public-facing and behind-the-scenes positions, which helps me to see the big picture and how the work of one department can affect and impact the work of other departments, the Library as a whole, and, of course, our patrons. I’ve been happy to serve the Cary Area Public Library District’s residents since November 2015.
During that time, some of the projects I’ve developed include:
• Launching our Seed Library to help encourage our community to get outside and garden!
• Launching our Book an Expert service to help provide one-on-one sessions for CAPL cardholders on using the Library’s ebook apps and other popular topics.
• Developing and co-chairing our EDI committee to help increase our organization’s understanding of topics focusing on equity, diversity, and inclusion, so that we’re able to serve all members of our community, even when their background and experiences are different than our own.
• Launching our Best Sellers Club to help make it easier for patrons to keep up with titles written by their favorite bestselling authors.
Going forward, I wish to continue to center the Library as a cornerstone of the community where district residents and others can access information whether for entertainment purposes or for personal/professional growth, to participate in engaging programs, and to provide a gathering space for the community. I also hope that we can continue to build and expand our partnerships with other local organizations.
