Member Spotlight: Joel Ramirez

JOEL RAMIREZ

Library Aide, Euclid Avenue Elementary

PRIMARY SERVICE ROLES: As the library aide, also known as the school librarian, at Euclid Avenue Elementary, part of LAUSD, I provide school library services, which includes access to books, story times, collection development, and programming to students in grades K-5.   

HOW DOES YOUR WORK ALIGN WITH SERVICE TO LATINOS AND SPANISH SPEAKING COMMUNITIES?

Euclid Avenue Elementary is located in Boyle Heights and serves a predominantly Latino and Spanish speaking community. As someone who is Spanish speaking and of the community, the work that I do here is especially important and fulfilling. My parents immigrated to East Los Angeles from Guatemala during the 1980s seeking a better life. The struggles students and families face on a daily basis at my school are ones that I have experienced. And because of this, the work that I do in serving a Latino/Spanish speaking community I feel is even more impactful and comes from a place of true care and empathy. 

FAVORITE ASPECT OF THE WORK:

Connecting with students, and inspiring them to become lifelong readers, learners, library users, and kind human beings. 

WORDS OF ADVICE TO OTHER LIBRARIANS AND PRESENT AND FUTURE MSLIS STUDENTS: 

Don’t be afraid to fail, to try, and keep striving no matter what setbacks you encounter. Always remember that If your heart’s in the right place and you try your best, you can do no wrong.  

PROGRAMS THAT I’VE DONE:

Every school year I have the honor of running the Scholastic Book Fair which brings in the whole community into the school library and gets everyone excited about books and reading. During Book Fair week, I host raffles, games, activities, and give away hundreds of free books. It’s a lot of work, but the reward of seeing students with their families walk away with books is worth all of the effort.

PERSONAL INTERESTS OR HOBBIES YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE:

When I’m not at the library, I like to keep active and engaged by exercising. I love running, hiking, weight lifting, and trying new physical activities. I also enjoy reading, playing video games, and watching anime. I’m currently replaying The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask on the Nintendo switch, a game I hadn’t played since I was in elementary school. If you're a gamer, it’s definitely a must play.

Member Spotlight: Leticia Polizzi

LETICIA POLIZZI

Adult Services Department Manager, Palos Verdes Library District

PRIMARY SERVICE ROLES: Overseeing services provided to adults in the community at all three of our library locations. Working with community leaders and organizations to promote programs for adults and lifelong learning.

HOW DOES YOUR WORK ALIGN WITH SERVICE TO LATINOS AND SPANISH SPEAKING COMMUNITIES? I started my library career working for the LA County Public Library Chicano Resource Center. Back then I had no interest working as a public librarian and was concentrating more on archives. Having that experience in the East LA Library made me realize I do enjoy working with the public and can make a difference in the community. As a public librarian I have worked with local organizations to help spread the word about the resources we have to offer. Having worked as the Community Outreach Coordinator for LA County Public Library I was able to work with the Mexican Embassy to provide books for immigrant children, provide free flu shots by partnering with Public Health and help set up Veteran Resource centers at different libraries for local veterans. I also launched the MakMo vans that visit the community libraries introducing kids to the world of makerspaces and STEAM learning. Before I left that position in 2017 I launched the Discover & Go program, modeled after the Contra Costa Library program. I formed partnerships with local museums to provide free passes for families to check out from the library. 

FAVORITE ASPECT OF THE WORK: Helping the community has always been my driving force in my librarian career. Making sure people know of all the great FREE resources available is what drives me. 

WORDS OF ADVICE TO OTHER LIBRARIANS AND PRESENT AND FUTURE MSLIS STUDENTS: Make connections with other librarians and form your support network. I have made so many great and lasting friendships who are there for me professionally. Have someone you can rely on when you need advice on how to provide service in your own library. Your librarian BFF will get you through some tough times. Have someone that can be that person for you and you can be for them. 

PROGRAMS THAT I’VE DONE: One particular program I am most proud of is the “Attack of the Comic Books” event I organized as a Library Manager at the Sorensen Library (Whittier, CA). This was in 2015 when the Marvel films were getting traction in the box office and families would ask us, “Is it ok for my child to read comic books?” That launched our little comic-con. We planned a full day of comicbook speakers, workshops, bilingual cartoonists art workshop,  activities and even a cosplay contest. I approached local comic book stores in the area and local artists to set up booths in our courtyard. We reached out to local latino businesses to donate giveaways and prizes for the kids from local comic book publishers. As an avid superhero geek myself, I had attended all three cons that year (Star Wars Celebration, Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo (Now LA Comic Con) and San Diego Comic Con. So I had a bunch of giveaways. The event was attended by over 800 people. 

In 2020 I organized a Suffrage Centennial Voting celebration at PVLD. The community and local partners were invited to lectures, book discussions, art contests, oral history events and a kick off event of a recreation of a suffrage protest parade, with 1800’s attire and banners. The event kick off was scheduled for March 13, 2020. (sad trombone sound) Of course we had to cancel as we were expecting over 200 people to participate including local city council members. We had to put away our sashes and multilingual banners for another time. 

PERSONAL INTERESTS OR HOBBIES YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE: I LOVE watching TV. I seriously think I have a problem. Shows I consistently watch and rewatch are The Office, 30 Rock, Doctor Who, Ted Lasso, Downton Abbey, Ghosts (UK version), Parks & Rec and The Americans. When I am not watching TV, I read and listen to podcasts. You can follow me on GoodReads.com to follow my yearly challenge. Currently reading:”The Witches of New York” by Ami McKay, “The Family Chao” by Lan Samantha Chang and “Go Tell the Bees That I am Gone” by Diana Gabaldon. One podcast I highly recommend right now is “Celebrity BookClub with Chelsea Devantez”. She reads memoirs of famous women and tells you all about them so you don’t have to. Start with the Mariah Carey episode. Enjoy!

Member Spotlight: Catherine Sturgeon

Name:    Catherine Sturgeon

Title:    Children’s Librarian

Primary Service Roles:    

Children’s programming, both in-branch and virtual (storytimes, crafts, STEAM activities, etc.); collection development and management for juvenile materials, including materials purchasing, budgeting, and weeding; community outreach and school visits; reference and reader’s advisory service; promotion and showcasing of branch and system-wide objectives along with a dash of fun on social media (branch Instagram and Facebook accounts); create exhibits and displays to showcase the collection and heritage months; attend meetings, workshops, and continuing education seminars; and—that beloved or bedeviled catchall—perform other duties as requested.

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

While my branch is located in a predominantly Black/African American community, the second largest demographic in our community are Latino/Latina.  I have noticed that some Spanish-speaking patrons seem to be reluctant to or intimidated by approaching librarians at the Reference Desk, so I am brainstorming ideas as to how to make the branch a more welcoming place for them.  I officially became the children’s librarian when we were in the midst of the pandemic (summer 2020), so unfortunately I have not had the ability to do in-person outreach to the Spanish-speaking community during this time, but will rectify that—perhaps with the help of our amazing area outreach librarians—in the future. We have Spanish and bilingual materials in both the children’s and adult sections. I posted virtual bilingual storytimes during the pandemic (but my phrasing and pronunciation definitely need work.) We have a Young Adult Librarian and two Clerks who are fluent in Spanish and provide translation help when needed in the branch.

Favorite aspect of your work:

I can’t choose just one! That no day is ever the same; there are always different challenges and projects to keep things interesting. That I can use my creativity on a daily basis—this is my happy place—to benefit both the library and myself. That incredible feeling when you’ve helped someone or given them information they didn’t know, there’s nothing quite like it: that glow, the warmth and satisfaction of providing something useful to someone. It keeps us coming back for more.

Words of advice to other librarians and present and future MSLIS students:

We all have it within us to inspire and to be inspired.  As Joy Harjo writes in Poet Warrior: "We are all put here to be leaders, within ourselves, our families, and our communities. Be a leader." Adapt, adaptable, adaptability: learn to adapt and be flexible.  Discover what makes you happy in your job and distill that joy whenever possible by incorporating it into your work in ways small or large.  Even a dollop of joy or humor can make the difference in your day.  I’ve found that most librarians are a curious lot and this will serve you well because we tend to be widely interested in many ideas, things, and people.  Never stop learning.  Use that curiosity of yours and take advantage of continuing education opportunities.  Ask questions!  Utilize your fellow library staff or, if you’re a student, reach out to library staff.  Most of us would love to help you.  Finally, especially now, be gentle with yourself and send some kindness your own way. You will find your own path and, if you get lost, there will always be someone to help you find it again or forge an alternate route.  You are not alone.  We are a community.

Programs that I’ve done:

Virtual robot storytime with Jen Lashley, the South L.A. Robotics founder and owner; virtual bilingual puppet storytime with Josué Cuentacuentos of Commerce Public Library; virtual main feed Los Angeles Public Library storytimes with other children’s librarians and different themes; branch thematic virtual storytimes; virtual craft tutorials; and virtual STEAM activities.

Personal interests or hobbies you’d like to share:

Reading, of course! My TBR piles are fearsomely tall and wide (bound and digital).  Crafting, especially with paper. I’m forever trailing bits of paper or glitter behind me like some Hansel and Gretel trail.  Writing, but I haven’t made much time for that lately.  Music and art are balms to the soul.  Anything dogs or horses.  I miss having my own dog so I co-opt everyone else’s dogs.  But let us not forget coffee, the elixir of life.

Member Spotlight: Sada Mozer

Sada Mozer
Senior Librarian, Baldwin Hills Branch
Los Angeles Public Library

Primary Service Roles:
Children’s programming and storytimes, collection development of English/Spanish juvenile materials, reference service to patrons, outreach to schoolsand preschools. Handling daily branch operations, maintaining building and library equipment, enforcing library policy, library staff supervision, budgeting, works with community stakeholders and government officials.

How does your work align with services to Latinos and the Spanish speaking
community?
My entire library career has been spent working in Spanish speaking communities .It is vital to let our patrons know the library is here for them. It takes getting out into the community as no two neighborhoods are the same. If you listen to the stakeholders and never assume you know what is needed, you can build a strong and trusted relationship between the library and the community.

Favorite Aspect of Your Work:
Our library encourages staff participation in professional organizations. I have been a Reforma member since 2015. I am also a member of BCALA, on the Board of Directors of ALSC, support JCLC, APALA , a member of the ALSC Notable Children’s Books Committee for 2019/2020 and served as its 2021 Chair and I am not done yet. It is vital that we connect, mentor and support each other both professionally and
personally.

Words of Advice to other Librarians and present and future MLIS students:
Outreach! I cannot stress enough the importance of outreach. You cannot serve your community if you do not engage your community. There are no cookie cutter shortcuts to service due to the uniqueness of each and every neighborhood. Attend Council meetings and school events and go to barbershops and churches. You will acquire the information you need to develop collections and design programs that your community wants. As a Senior Librarian, I encourage staff of all classifications to participate in outreach. Also, take advantage of internships while you are obtaining your degree. It will be the most vital experience you can get. That is the chance to see if you are on the right track and to put yourself out there. I did two internships while in school!

Programs that I’ve done:
As a Children’s Librarian I have done many ( I think) fun programs: Science programs, holiday programs, bilingual storytimes, meet and greets with the police and fire departments, weekly movies,etc. My most favorite program was developed while I worked at a branch in South Los Angeles. I placed a large sheet of butcher paper on the wall and asked kids to write down what they wanted most in the library. The overwhelming response was Legos. With that, I applied for an LAPL grant to create a weekly program where I could teach kids how to build structures that could withstand an earthquake. Happily, the grant was approved and I was able to purchase specific (used) pieces online. Trust me, I am not a Lego geek but I wanted to give the kids what they wanted. We had a great time! Every week, we built a different structure. I still have photos of the kids holding their creations with big smiles on their faces. Absolutely my favorite program!

Personal Hobbies
I love to travel and meet as many people as possible. I’d been to South America, China, Australia and Spain before I was sidelined by the pandemic. OMG, I can’t wait until it is safe for everyone to travel again! So for now, I am homebound and addicted to watching Korean dramas and I read incessantly. I love doing Reader’s Advisory! Right now, I am reading the Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. I’ve got a list a mile long!

Spanish Language Book Fair

REFORMA LA 2022 Spanish Language Book Fair

Find out what’s new in the Spanish-language publishing industry for children, young adults, and adults. The free series will be open to librarians, educators, students, and professionals interested in serving Latino and Spanish-speaking communities. 

Sessions

Program Time:

• 10am-12pm Pacific / 11am-1pm Mountain / 12-2pm Central / 1-3pm Eastern time

Adult Book Buzz - March 8th

• Lectorum

  • Presentation Slides

  • Order Form

• Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial

  • Presentation Slides

  • Order Form

• Spanish Publishers, LLC

  • Presentation Slides

  • Order Form

• Harper Collins

  • Presentation Slides

  • Order Form

• Cinco Books

  • Presentation Slides

  • Order Form

• Latin American Book Source

  • Presentation Slides

  • Order Form

Children & YA Book Buzz 1 - Thursday, March 10

• Lectorum

  • Presentation Slides

  • Order Form

• Penguin Random House

  • Presentation Slides

  • Order sheet

• ¡CHAU, LUNA!

  • Presentation Slides

  • Order Form

• Spanish Publishers, LLC

  • Presentation Slides

  • Order Form

• Lil' Libros

  • Presentation Slides

  • Order Form

• LA librería

  • Presentation Slides

  • Order Form

Children & YA Book Buzz 2 - Thursday, March 17

• Cinco Books

  • Presentation Slides

  • Order Form

• Scholastic

  • Presentation Slides

  • Order Form

• Candlewick Press

  • Presentation Slides

  • Order Form

• Penguin Random House Library Marketing

  • Presentation Slides

  • Order Form

• Latin American Book Source

  • Presentation Slides

  • Order Form

• Vista Higher Learning* (This presentation will be in Spanish)

  • Presentation Slides

  • Order Form

Member Spotlight: Laura Ishizaka

Laura Ishizaka
Community Services Senior Librarian
Long Beach Public Library

Primary Service Roles: As the Senior Librarian in Community Services I lead the team that coordinates the Center for Adaptive Technology, Veterans Resources, Citizenship and Immigration Services, Career Online High School, social services and resources in the library, community outreach and partnerships, and marketing.

How does your work align with service to Latinos and the Spanish-speaking communities?: The City of Long Beach is approximately 43% Latinx so a large portion of the community that we serve on a daily basis may come to us needing services and information in Spanish, or may be looking for resources tailored to Latinx community needs. My work in Community Services has also given me an opportunity to engage with local organizations that work directly with, or for the Spanish speaking community in areas ranging from arts and culture to citizenship and immigration services.

Favorite aspect of your work?: My favorite thing about my work is that I have so many opportunities to make a difference. I learn something new every day about the community I serve, and how social services work or have gaps and how libraries can help bridge those gaps. Whether it's being available to answer a reference question in Spanish, helping a patron use large print features on computers in the Center for Adaptive Technology, or pulling resources together to host workshops for the community, every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference for someone.

Words of advice to other librarians and present and future MSLIS students: My advice is...stay curious. Our field is constantly changing and evolving and we need to change and evolve with it. As librarians we need to understand the world around us because it is the world and community we are serving, so we need to keep the flame of curiosity alive within ourselves to make sure we are always wondering how and why or why not.

Programs that I've done: Some of my favorite programs I've done throughout my career include Feel the Churn! Butter Aerobics at the LA County Library as a Teen Librarian, Balance and Mobility classes for seniors at the Palos Verdes Library District as an Adult Librarian, and citizenship workshops at the Long Beach Public Library.

Personal interests or hobbies you'd like to share: I love to draw and paint and finally I worked up the courage to submit some pieces to the Palos Verdes Library District Annual Community Art Show in 2021. Seeing my art on the walls as part of a larger art show was amazing!

Member Spotlight: Scott Martin-Rowe

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.

Member Spotlight: Luisa Leija

Name: Luisa Alexandra Leija

Title: MSLIS Candidate at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (2022)

Primary Service Roles: I began working in libraries in 2017, after over a decade of serving the nonprofit, youth development sector. Working in libraries has allowed me to bring together my passions around community engagement, youth development, social justice, and cultural heritage preservation. As a graduate student of the UIUC online program (LEEP) I am following the Youth Librarianship pathway while examining the intersections of culturally relevant, arts-based library programming, emerging critical theories, and technology. In 2020-21 I was awarded an ALA Spectrum Scholarship and in 2019, the REFORMA National Rose Treviño Scholarship. Most recently, I was awarded the 2021-22 CLA Betty Begun Scholarship as well.

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

I’ve been specializing in the service toward Latino/x/e and Spanish-speaking communities my entire career. As an undergrad I majored in Chicana/o Studies at UC Berkeley where I did my field work with The Mexican Museum in San Francisco in 2002. Since then, I’ve been acquiring and honing the skills to deliver bilingual/ bicultural programs that reflect our “Pedagogies of the Home” (Bernal, 2002). Building and affirming our cultural knowledge is central to my approach in creating library programming and services that our community want to access again and again.

An example of this work in libraries is the bilingual storytime program my co-worker, Sheridan Cazarez, and I co-created, Cuentos y Cantos. We addressed a gap in services toward the Latinx population by dreaming of a space where our Latino/x/e patrons could authentically be themselves and be celebrated. After much more collaboration, advocacy, and designing we had a bilingual program, that was the highest attended program systemwide in 2018-19.

Favorite aspect of your work: 

Getting to work with the community and feeling that sense of familiarity we share with one another is unmatchable. Whether it be a baby, child, or grown up. A patron or a colleague- building community and having the opportunity to share palabra and wisdom energizes me. When I can build community with likeminded colleagues to amplify our individual endeavors, it’s an amazing gift. We can do so much more together than we can do alone.

Words of advice to other librarians and present and future MLIS students: Dream together, collaborate, and advocate together. Get out and tell the stories of your programs, of work you are doing, and of your JOY! We are often taught to be humble and of course, it’s not about bragging y calando mal. It’s about self-advocacy and educating those around us about the unique value of our causes or projects. If we don’t tell our stories, others have control over the narrative. Take control of the narrative.

Programs that I’ve done: 

Apart from Cuentos y Cantos, I’ve also created Manos a la Obra- traditional arts of the Americas, Libros y Leyendas- a folktales and new books in Spanish program, Preschool Storytime, Flor y Canto Poetry Workshops, Storytelling, and Creative Writing programs.

Personal interests or hobbies I would like to share:

When I’m not working, you can find me having outdoor adventures with my family or spending time with my little ones (my son and little fluffy terrier). I do yoga most days. I enjoy music, art, poetry and hanging out with my homies.

Member Spotlight: Gladis Martinez

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.

Member Spotlight: Ana Arevalo

Name: Ana Arevalo

Title: REFORMA SJSU iSchool Marketing & Social Media Liaison 

Primary Service Roles: Promote service and advocate for resources for Spanish and Latinx communities.

How does your work align with service to Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities? Promote resources, programs, and scholarships that empower Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities via social media. 

Favorite aspect of your work: Learn how information professionals support Latinos and Spanish communities. For example, access to information, resources (books), and services.

Words of advice to other librarians and present and future MSLIS students: Increase your cultural competence (CQ) to become an effective leader for diverse cultures.

Programs that I’ve done: I created a Screencast-o-Matic tutorial for LAUSD students during COVID to help them access library resources.

Personal interests or hobbies you’d like to share: I like to read and visit my family during my free time.