Ivonne Arreola
Library Services Manager
Whittier Public Library
Primary Service Roles:
I wear two hats at the Whittier Public Library. My “hat” as a Library Services Manager has allowed me the opportunity, lately, to work in Administration and assist the Library Director, other managers and staff with the plans and preparations for the renovation of our Central Library, due to be completed in March of 2022. It has been a great time of learning, growth and adventure. The other hat, and holds most of my duties, is that of Children’s Services Librarian. Working with such a wonderful and supportive staff, we have provided great programs and services, Storytimes for many age groups and also in Spanish, STEAM Train programs, Tween Nites, Nights at the Library for Schools to name just a few. We received a grant from Congresswoman Linda Sanchez and created one of the first Homework Centers in libraries for the students of the community.
Prior to Covid, the Whittier Public Library, had one of the most unique Summer Reading Clubs, where children would give an oral report on a book (both in English or Spanish), play a reading game and after completing the program could attend a carnival type party at one of the local parks in Whittier. The average attendance at a party was about 2,000 people. Sadly, it will be a while, before we could ever do that again. Collection development in English and Spanish (for children and adults), reference and information services, reader’s advisory, creation of publicity and brochures, administer the Library’s webpage and social media accounts are among the other duties I perform.
How does your work align with service to Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities?:
In the mid-eighties, the Whittier Public Library was one of the pilot libraries to receive the Partnerships-In-Change grants. The mission was to provide services and programs to the Spanish speaking community and families in Whittier. I was one of the two Spanish speaking librarians who were on the ground floor of providing programs and books in English and Spanish, having all library literature in both languages as well as signage and we even created a classes and a handbook to help library staff better communicate with the community. Since then, it is still my mission to continue providing programs, services and materials to our Spanish-speaking community. As part of this mission several years ago I was able to start attending the Guadalajara International Book Fair to purchase books in Spanish for adult and children. Sidenote: that is also where I received so much support and friendship with members of REFORMA
How have you assisted your community during the COVID-19 pandemic?:
As with all other libraries, the Whittier Public Library had to convert the majority of our programs to online. Storytimes, class visits, Parent presentations, and Summer Reading Club to mention a few. Staff had to rethink and anticipate what our community needed and quickly. The Library was a site for the Grab and Go meals in partnership with the Whittier Union High School District. It was a very heartwarming experience for the staff and patrons. It gave us the opportunity to visit with the families (socially distant, of course) that we hadn’t seen since March. Plus, we were giving children a lunch and breakfast to take home every day. We are currently trying to make arrangements to provide lunches during this school semester as well. I have also been able to meet on Zoom with Spanish-speaking Parent Groups to show them the online services and homework materials we have to offer their children.
Some words of advice to other librarians/library staff and/or present and future MLIS students:
Know and understand your community, this will help you tremendously with programming, collection development and services. Be compassionate and empathetic to all readers-especially children. Most importantly…love what you do (that’s probably why I have been doing this for 35 years!).
Previous programs that I have done:
Along with those mentioned above, there is one that one of our REFORMA members Connie Flores started years ago and has become a family favorite and that I have continued with is, Día de los Libros/Día de los Niños. Families come to enjoy a book give away, pan dulce and agua fresca, crafts and entertainment. A new program that we are planning to do in February is called Play Date With A Book. Children will be able to check out a “play mate/book” in a paper bag - read it and enter a drawing for a gift card. It is a variation on Blind Date With A Book for adults.