Name: Scott Martin-Rowe

Title: Teacher Librarian

Primary Service Roles: I am the Teacher Librarian at the Miguel Contreras Learning Complex

How does your work align with service to Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities? Over 95% of our students identify as Latino. Since moving into the library almost three years ago, I've worked hard to increase the number of Spanish-language texts available to students as well as increase the number of graphic novels on hand to support our English Learners and Long Term English Learners. I am also the co-author of the picture book Yefferson, Actually, published by Lil' Libros and chosen by the Chicago Public Library and NY Public Library as one of the best children's books of 2021.

Favorite aspect of your work: I love helping students find their next book and I especially love helping those students who claim to hate reading or who admit to not having read anything for the past few years. I'm a big believer that students who claim to hate reading simply haven't found the right book yet.

Words of advice to other librarians and present and future MSLIS students: You have to meet students where they are at. I added a lot of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Manga to our collection simply because students wanted to read them and requested them. I also added Lego sets, board games, and Minecraft Education Edition to get students into the library. Make the library a hub for students. You can't hook them on reading if they aren't there. As far as advice for MSLIS students, I would say that connecting your program work with whatever you are doing is key. I found it hard to remain enthusiastic when I felt like I was learning something that I wouldn't be able to apply to my own practice. When I was able to make the connection, the work didn't feel like work at all. Okay, maybe it still felt like work, but it was easier to stay motivated.

Programs that I’ve done: I am currently finishing up my TL Credential at CSU, Long Beach. I have a BA and MA in English/Creative Writing from CSU, Northridge.

Personal interests or hobbies you’d like to share: I love running, reading, writing, traveling, watching good movies/tv, and eating delicious food (especially street tacos and ramen). I have four children of my own and they help me feel young, exhausted, but young.