Name: Gladis Martinez
Title: Children's Librarian, Los Angeles Public Library
Primary Service Roles: I am experienced in all aspects of library work, especially children's services. Currently, I work as the Children’s Librarian at the Robert Louis Stevenson Branch.
How does your work align with service to Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities? As a librarian in Oregon, Texas, and California, I worked at, and continue to work at, libraries with significant Latinx patron populations. I helped individual patrons in Spanish and created Spanish-language programming, cultivated Spanish-language collections, created safe spaces, and did outreach for the wider community. I am proud of the fact that a survey revealed that the Oregon library I worked at was one of two safe spaces for the Latinx community.
Favorite aspect of your work: I enjoy the connections I make with patrons via programming and outreach.
Words of advice to other librarians and present and future MLIS students: Don't sell yourself short and don't be afraid to try new things.
Programs that I’ve done: Café con Lotería, Library Science, K-pop Club, International Games Day, and LA Libros Fest.
Personal interests or hobbies I would like to share: I enjoy reading, trying new food, hiking, and road trips.