Member Spotlight: Alejandra Alfaro

Alejandra Alfaro

Assistant Upper School Librarian
Polytechnic School

Primary Service Roles:
I assist the Upper School Librarian with the daily operations of a high school library. As the assistant librarian, my days never look the same! However, you can usually find me helping students with research projects, teaching information literacy lessons, supervising the library, working on the monthly library newsletter, planning programs, supporting students in my advisory, shelving books, and most importantly developing relationships with our students.

How does your work align with service to Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities?:
I have worked hard to bring awareness to local Latinos/Latinas who are making a difference in our community. For example, we recently hosted YA author Isabel Quintero who talked about her experience as an author who was raised in the Inland Empire. We also hosted the owner of Todo Verde, Jocelyn Ramirez, to talk about her work with food justice in communities of color. 

With the pandemic, a lot of programs have unfortunately been put on hold, but I’m hoping to bring even more speakers of color to our school! 

How have you assisted your community during the COVID-19 pandemic?:
I am most proud of how I have assisted my advisory during the pandemic. At our school, each student is a part of an advisory group with about 6 students. During advisory, students have the opportunity to get to connect with an adult who can help support them academically and emotionally throughout high school. Since the pandemic started, I have found that advisory has been super helpful for the students during a time when many have been battling with the struggles of isolation.

Some words of advice to other librarians/library staff and/or present and future MLIS students:
Apply for scholarships! I always say that I have the best job in the world, and it honestly would not have been possible without the help of scholarships!

Previous programs that I have done:
The 9th graders are just starting their big research paper, so I’ve been busy meeting with students individually to help them navigate the research process. For many, this is their first time conducting research, so it’s been really helpful for me to find out what they need help with the most. 

REFORMA LA Member Spotlight: Petry Saenz

Petry Saenz
Library Assistant at Long Beach Public Library
Alumni Liaison for REFORMA SJSU iSchool Student & Alumni Group

Primary Service Roles: 
Conduct storytime, create and organize children’s programming including art crafts and book clubs, conduct weekly class visits, and manage teen volunteers.

How does your work align with service to Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities? 
Since beginning my work at Long Beach Public Library, I have had the pleasure of assisting both staff and patrons at our small branch. In particular, speaking Spanish has allowed me to coordinate unique programming that touches on cultural aspects tied to Latinx heritage. In addition, I have been able to advocate for migrant families, Latinx and others, by helping them with reference questions, readers’ advisory, homework help, technology assistance, etc. And introducing Spanish-speakers to the multitude of services and resources our system offers. Thus, I approach my work with the intent to make Latinx families feel welcomed and included.

How have you assisted your community during the COVID-19 pandemic? 
Early on, I joined a team of library staff that was making masks for city workers. In addition, I began recording virtual storytime to be showcased on our library’s YouTube channel. In the library, I help with the management of Spanish-language collections, adult and children.

Some words of advice to other librarians/library staff and/or present and future MLIS students: 
Do not be afraid to try new things! Bring your personality into your projects and your work will shine. Lots of people are surprised when they see me play the ukulele because I am not a musician; I began learning in 2015 but did not seriously pick it up until 2017 when I had the motivation to play for kids. I am still constantly practicing and learning and the only songs I know are the ones I play during storytime! Nonetheless, the kids have a fantastic time when I play for them and it makes storytime a joyful experience. Your passions and /or hobbies can be a great addition to your work; so, don’t be shy! Also, when a program seems to be failing or not reaching your expectations - make changes! Do not give up on your vision but tweak some aspects and see how it works. Trial and error are a part of programming, just keep moving your vision forward but with adjustments to help.

Previous programs that I have done:
S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math), Teen Book Club, Kids Café, Bilingual Family Storytime, Adult Arts & Crafts, Pottery for Kids, Fly Club (partnered with local aviation school), Día de Los Niños/Día de Los Libros and many more!

REFORMA LA Member Spotlight: Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada

Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada
Adult Services Assistant Manager
Palos Verdes Library District

Primary Service Roles: As the Adult Services Assistant Manager, one of my primary roles is to supervise our on call librarians, many of whom are new to the profession and are gaining experience before acquiring full time positions. Engaging with, training, and mentoring our new librarians is one of the most fulfilling parts of my position and while I am always sad to see them go when they gain full time employment, I am always happy that there are such forward thinking librarians and library workers out there making a difference in their communities.

How does your work align with service to Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities?: As chair of my library's racial equity team, BUILD, we are providing resource and opportunities for an increasingly diversifying community on the Peninsula. We do this through our website, pvld.org/racialequity as well as through programs to help residents understand how to become truly inclusive and racially equitable in what was not too long ago a fairly homogenous community. We also provide opportunities for informal mentoring and support of our BIPOC staff members who have varying experiences with other staff and community members. For all staff we offer opportunities to engage and learn around equity of all types, encouraging professional development and continued growth.

How have you assisted your community during the COVID-19 pandemic?: Like most of us, our service has moved to online programming and curbside/to go pickups and PVLD has been no different. One of my favorite pandemic passive offerings and one of the first things I put together back in March is a website of socially distanced resources called Explore and More (pvld.org/exploreandmore). While it has changed over the last 10 months as folks return to more and more activities outside their home, it has primarily remained a spot where our community members can go for physical and mental health resources. The page continues to evolve as our pandemic experiences and needs evolve but has become a staple of our digital outreach and passive programming via social media.

Some words of advice to other librarians/library staff and/or present and future MLIS students: Be open to unexpected opportunities and broaden your network as much as you can. For me, engagement with associations like Reforma have been one of the most fulfilling experiences I've had in my professional career. Without these organizations to help support me, especially as a new professional, I'm not sure I would be as satisfied with my career or have such a strong network of peers to lean on and collaborate with. I am so thankful for our National Associations of Librarians of Color!

Previous programs that I have done: My favorite programs during the pandemic have been our virtual art programs (pvld.org/artinourlibrary). As coordinator of the Peninsula Center Library's Art in Our Library Program, I wanted to ensure that our annual community art show, which typically draws over 75 artists from around Southern California, remained an annual event. I was able to reimagine our community art show in a virtual gallery and have extended that experience to our next annual event, the final art show for our local high school. Bringing our community artists together is one of my favorite duties at PVLD and I am so glad to be able to keep it going during this chaotic time.

REFORMA Los Angeles | Día de los Libros/Día de los Niños Mini-Grant Application

REFORMA Los Angeles is pleased to announce a $300 Día de los Libros/Día de los Niños Mini-Grant to be awarded to a library or community organization to host a virtual or in person Día program.

Per the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC), El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day), known as Día, is a celebration EVERY DAY of children, families, and reading that culminates every year on April 30. The celebration emphasizes the importance of advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

The REFORMA Los Angeles Día de los Libros/Día de los Niños mini-grant aims to support programs that celebrate Latino culture by providing funds for a library or organization to hire an author, performer, or purchase any other program materials.

REFORMA Los Angeles Día de los Libros/Día de los Niños 2021 Mini-Grant details:
Purpose:

• Increase the public’s awareness of Día programs in LA County.

• Develop materials and programs that can be a model in other communities.

• Expand the number of libraries and community organizations hosting Día programs.

Guidelines:

• The applicant or their library/organization must be a REFORMA LA member. To join visit reforma.org/join

• The event must celebrate Latino culture.

• The event must be held between April 1st and May 31st, 2021.

• The library/community organizations must be within Los Angeles County.

• The winner must agree that publicity of their event will identify REFORMA LA as the sponsor/partial sponsor.

• The winners must be willing to have their program featured on our website both in written and photographic detail. A brief report of the event would be submitted by June 30th to the chapter for this purpose.

For ideas on Día events, go to: http://dia.ala.org/

To apply for a Día mini-grant:

Complete the online application by Friday, February 26, 2021 11:59 (PST)

The winner will be notified by March 12th through email and their name will be posted on our website and social media.

Questions may be sent to reformala@gmail.com

REFORMA LA Member Spotlight: Ivonne Arreola

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.

Book Buzz Winter Series

All programs start at 10 a.m. Pacific | 11 a.m. Mountain | 12 p.m. Central | 1 p.m. Eastern

Find out what’s new in the Spanish language publishing industry for children, young adults, and adults. The REFORMA Virtual Spanish Language Book Buzz Winter Series​ will be open to librarians, educators, students, and professionals interested in serving Latino and Spanish-speaking communities.

Presentations will be held in English via Zoom and Facebook. Free registration.

Presented by REFORMA Los Angeles and REFORMA Northeast chapters. REFORMA Los Angeles

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Participating Distributors & Publishers

(For contacts and presentations)

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REFROMA LA Member Spotlight: Raymundo Andrade

Name: Raymundo (Ray) Andrade

Title: Student Engagement Librarian

University: Loyola Marymount University (LMU)

MLIS Program: San Jose State University, Masters in Library & Information Science (MLIS)

Primary Service Roles: As a member of the Library Outreach department, I lead the library’s efforts in serving students by coordinating library orientations for all students, developing programs and special events throughout the year, and promoting the library’s central role in supporting student success. In my work, I especially focus on traditionally underserved populations, including first-generation, Asian-American, Black, Latinx, LGBTQ, international, and other students. To serve these students, I often collaborate with many departments across campus, including the Academic Resource Center, Ethnic & Intercultural Services, the Office of International Students, the Office of Student Success, the Office of First Year Experience, Student Housing, Transfer Programs, the Center for Service & Action, and the Office of Student Leadership & Development. Lastly, I also serve as Librarian Liaison to LMU’s department of Chicanx-Latinx Studies (CLST), which means I purchase library materials to support the research of CLST faculty and students, and I also teach classes and offer 1-on-1 research consultations for this community.

How does your work align with service to Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities?:

1. serving LMU’s First To Go (first gen) program, which is predominantly Latinx;

2. collaborating with the office of Chicanx-Latinx Services for collaborative programming;

3. serving as Librarian Liaison for the department of Chicanx-Latinx Studies;

4. serving as a 12-year member of LMU’s Latinx Staff Association.

How have you assisted your community during the COVID-19 pandemic?:

In my role within the Latinx Staff Association, one group I especially advocate for (especially during the pandemic) is LMU’s 70+ custodians and groundskeepers, approximately 90% of whom are Latinx or Black. For example, since the earlier part of the pandemic, I began periodically calling or text messaging the custodians whose cell phone numbers I have – (32 and counting) – to find out how they’re doing.  (Note: I’ve had a close relationship with many custodians since fellow members of the Latinx Staff Association and I used to offer computer workshops between 2010-2015.) Approximately 66% of custodians and groundkeepers were furloughed in March. In collaboration with faculty, a GoFundMe campaign was created to assist furloughed staff. The campaign collected $20,000 and I coordinated members of the Latinx Staff Association to call furloughed custodians and groundskeepers to ensure they receive financial support from the campaign while they waited for their first unemployment check to arrive. Currently, I’m joining the Latinx Staff Association to advocate for furloughed staff to come back to work ASAP, especially before their unemployment benefits expire after one year.

Previous programs that I have done:
For the second August in a row, I collaborated with LAPL’s Jené Brown (Associate Director of Community Engagement) to introduce participants in LAPL’s Diversity and Inclusion Apprenticeship program to LMU’s library. Last year (pre-COVID), I conducted a tour of LMU’s library immediately followed by a “Careers in Academic Librarianship” panel event I coordinated to feature a handful of LMU Librarians to represent different areas of academic librarianship. For 2020, we successfully pivoted both events to an online format, including a virtual 360-degree LMU Library tour, and a virtual version of another Careers in Academic Librarianship panel.

Some words of advice to other librarians and/or present and future MLIS students:
If you want to be a librarian who’s going to make a difference, then be prepared to be more than a Librarian, regardless of whether you work in a public library or academic library. Also: be authentic – library users can easily tell if you’re making a genuine effort to help them to the best of your ability … and they can also tell when you’re not making a genuine effort to help them to the best of your ability.

REFORMA LA Member Spotlight: Josué Martinez

Name: Josué Martinez

Title: Senior Library Assistant, Children's Department

Library System: City of Commerce Public Library

Primary Service Roles: Conducts storytimes, organizes arts and crafts for kids, promotes reading at local schools, creates content for the library's social media such as children's jokes, quote of the day, and virtual storytimes.

How does your work align with service to Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities?:
I work at the beautiful City of Commerce Public Library. For over 20 years I have gotten to know some of the most amazing library people that have helped shape who I am. I got my Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Arts and Dance from CSULA and I am part of the Rachel Rosenthal Theatre Company. All these years I have been braiding together my theatre side and my library side, and now I have a big ol' trenza that I sport with pride.

How have you assisted your community during COVID-19?:
Never in my life have I felt like I was meant to do what I was doing until COVID-19 happened. Like Voltron (an 80's cartoon), my theatre skills and library skills combined and transformed me into a pretty cool and silly, but cute, cuentacuentos/storyteller. It's amazing how the human spirit works. If you listen, you get the opportunity to be where you are needed and it is up to you to step up and do what you were meant to do. In a way the pressure of everything that was going on polished my tools and I got to bring silliness, heart, and smiles into people's homes through storytelling

Some words of advice to other librarians and/or present and future MLIS students:
I am not a pretty face, nor did I have the social skills to be on camera and get filmed to tell stories on social media but I feel that representation is so important. Everyone wants to see themselves on TV, in a book, in a movie, and on social media. As a gay Mexicano, gordito, telenovelero, cumbia dancer, pug dad, and Pokémon catcher, I feel there is a need to step up and represent even if it's that one child full of insecurities. I want him/her/ they to see me and know that it gets better, that he/she/they can do and become anything. My mother raised me con mucho amor and my roots are planted all the way in the center of Mexico City. English is my second language, I am an immigrant... I know the struggle. I know that feeling of not having a voice and that is why I do things con mucho amor y ganas. In these current times it is not enough with just speaking the language, we have to be able to put ourselves in peoples shoes, be empathetic, and most importantly HELPFUL.

My advice for other library peeps is to not take ourselves too seriously, HAVE FUN! Remember the core and mission of why we do what we do. I think it is so easy to fall into auto mode and be stuck on what we have to do. It is so important to remember the WHY?! Why we do what we do. Is it to inspire? Is it to promote reading? Is it to make communities better? To bring joy? For me, it has always been my mission to empower children and to SHOW THEM that books are fun! What is your mission and your role in relation to the bigger picture?

We need to re-awaken that passion and those GANAS for life, for what we do. There is a kid out there or a patron that is going to be inspired or his/her/their life is going to be better because of our service... but we cannot do that if we are not enjoying what we do.

To contact Josué for virtual storytime opportunities, you can direct message him on Instagram @josuecuentacuentos.

2020 Virtual Silent Auction for Elizabeth Martinez & Dr. Karin Duran Scholarships

Please join us online for our annual Elizabeth Martinez & Dr. Karin Duran Scholarships Fundraiser on Sunday November 8, 2020! This year our Silent Auction is going virtual and will run between 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (PST).

More details will be sent via email and posted on this event page! Stay tuned and we hope that you can join is in raising funds to support library school students in Los Angeles.

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REFORMA LA Member Spotlight: Cynthia Mari Orozco

Name: Cynthia Mari Orozco

Pronouns: she/her/ella

Title: Librarian for Equitable Services

Library System/University: East Los Angeles College (ELAC)

MLIS Program: San José State University

Primary Service Roles: Instruction and Outreach; Reference; Open Educational Resources (OER)

How does your work align with service to Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities?:

At our community college, the majority of our student population identify as Hispanic/Latino. The majority of our students are also first-generation college students, so one of my driving philosophies as a librarian is to demystify the library and research experience. If I’m really honest, I myself learned a lot of things undergraduate students should know when I was in library school! My goal is to make the library as welcoming and accessible as possible.

How have you assisted your community during the COVID-19 pandemic?:

Our instruction librarians continue to teach workshops and one-shot library instruction for classroom faculty. Last fall, we also began creating information literacy modules in Canvas Commons, which allows classroom instructors to simply import library research lessons into their online courses. We finished up this project around March, so the timing worked out. 

The other big thing is access to textbooks. Publisher textbooks today are prohibitively expensive, and many students relied on in-person textbook reserves to access their required readings and homework prior to the pandemic. Since moving completely online, I’ve had more faculty contact me about exploring OER textbook options, which is really encouraging. 

Some words of advice to other librarians and/or present and future MLIS students:

For MLIS students, I highly suggest reaching out to library workers for informational interviews. People in our field are generally incredibly generous with their time and knowledge. For everyone, being in community has never been more important in these unprecedented, difficult times! I’m very thankful for the online spaces in which I can continue to be with my people and make new online friends!

Previous programs that I have done (or Upcoming events you are planning):

When I was a resident at Loyola Marymount University, I was able to kick off a Banned Books Week program in the Outreach department, which is one of my favorite programs to date! I’m currently working on a storytelling board for students to share their experiences with expensive publisher textbooks for Open Access Week this month.