As we celebrate Black History Month, it's essential to recognize the contributions of Black professionals who have shaped the library profession. This blog series highlights library industry trailblazers and some of our own KDL staff members whose work has left an indelible mark on our community.
What inspired you to become a librarian / to work in public libraries?
I didn’t want to work in the library. I spent 10 years prior working in fast paced environments and was working my way up through the ranks. I met a few KDL employees who shared great information on the core of the library and drastically shifted my perspective. The library is a community center without barriers to access. It is one of the few places you can go to learn something new or make a new friend. I was afraid I would be bored and that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Come to the library during a storytime in the summer and you will see the power of the public library.
What keeps me here is serving the community and being surrounded by 400 people who actively try to make their communities welcoming and inclusive places. I want to make the world a better place. I want to find ways to get people what they need to live the best life they can. If it’s the latest bestseller, free Covid tests, camping gear, free notary services or even just a kind word, we have it in our buildings. It’s the pulse is the community.
Can you share a story about a moment in your career that felt especially impactful or meaningful?
Anton is a patron that travels every week to visit our branch with his lovely wife Mary. They drive an hour to come use the computers and to crotchet. Even though they can't get a KDL Library card, they drive an hour each way because they just like to spend time with us. I had the opportunity to chat a little bit with them about the recent loss of their dog and the loss of my cat this year. We cried. We laughed and we hugged. There is no other place that you can make friends like that.
Beyond patron stories, I tend to avoid being the center of attention. I enjoy working the background to solve issues, but I had to be in front for Friendship Park. I was worried that no one would show up. I spent 18 months learning how to work with the township, learning about native plants, and trying to make sure it was done on time. There is a "hater" that lives in my brain that sometimes tells me no one cares about the endless hours poured into a project. Fifteen minutes before the park dedication began, hundreds of people appeared from everywhere. I cried real tears that day. I was overwhelmed with emotion to see so many people show up. I love getting things done and it is a moment I am really proud of. I stand on the shoulders of all of the people who came before me and their wonderful ideas to create an outdoor space. I am looking forward to adding new enhancements over the next three years to create a relaxing space for everyone to enjoy.
What does representation in librarianship mean to you, and why do you think it’s important?
This is a tough one, but a worthwhile topic. The truth is there are not very many black librarians. I grew up with the power of oral storytelling and the importance of shared experiences. It is very important that there is recognition that I do not represent all black people or all black librarians. I represent Lulu who grew up on welfare with a single mom who tried to provide the best life possible for me. Sometimes we would boil water when I needed a warm bath. I went through Toys for Tots lines as a kid for Christmas gifts. I had no idea we were poor until my high school years because my mother always worked to provide the best that she could. I traveled to so many places in between the chapters I read late at night. I was and still am that weird kid who marches to the beat of her own drum.
Representation for me looks like making space for every part of me at work, so that other people feel the freedom to be themselves. I change my hair like I change my socks. I treat people with kindness. I play Beyonce when I am moving chairs and dance. I wear clothing that makes me feel confident. I code switch far less than I did in the for-profit world. I hope that when I am fully myself it makes other people comfortable to know they can show up authentically.
What advice would you give to young Black individuals considering a career in librarianship?
If you want to be anything, be curious. Now is a great time to visit your local library virtually or in-person. Many libraries have a variety of positions that can fully utilize your education or experiences to benefit the entire community. Books certainly need to be put on the shelves, but that is a fraction of what day-to-day really is. Sign up to volunteer or just visit.
Share anything else you're proud of / something you're currently reading
I recently discovered graphic audio and it has become a new obsession. It's so easy to devour an additional three books each month. I am current enjoying Woke Up No Light by Leila Mottley and Feeding the Soul (Because It's My Business) by Tabitha Brown.
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