Welcome back to Behind the Stacks! It was amazing to see so many friendly faces of our community members cheering us on as we joined in the Memorial Day Parade this year! We are grateful to the city for welcoming us on board to take part in this time-honored West Haven tradition, as we commemorate the lives of those who fought for our freedoms.
As a reminder, both West Haven Library locations will be closed on Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day. In honor of the holiday, we invite you to join scientist Ainissa Ramirez on June 17 for her presentation, Black Inventors Who Made the Stuff Around Us. In this program, she will share inventions that we use every day that were created by Black inventors–from the light bulb to the mailbox to the ice cream scoop. She will also share the work and life of Connecticut’s own Sarah Boone. This presentation will also feature the life and work of Black innovators who made things we use every day–from Jim West’s microphone to mathematician Gladys West’s pioneering work in creating GPS.
On June 18, kids aged 3 to 12 and their families can join our Children’s Librarian, Miss Amanda, for an event on the Town Green! Gather and hear Juneteenth stories that celebrate freedom and create a kite to fly on the Green! Snacks will be provided and registration is required as space is limited. In the case of bad weather, this event will be moved indoors to the Community Room in the Main Library.
This year marks America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and to celebrate this historic landmark, kids of all ages are welcome to take part in our Community Flag Project! On June 11, help us create our own version of the American flag by designing a square or two! The finished community flag will be placed on display in the Graham Room. Registration is required.
On June 10, we encourage adults and young adults 16 and older to attend our Know Your Rights presentation by Andrea Sanchez from CT 4 A Dream. This presentation will discuss the steps you can and cannot take if ICE shows up at your work, home, or approaches you on the street, and how bystanders can be of support! Thank you to the Friends of the West Haven Library for sponsoring this event.
There is also still space available for our Fourth of July Mason Jar Lantern adult craft on June 18th. Decorate your own mason jar complete with a tea light candle to create festive lanterns! Now let’s take some time to meet another library worker–our Ora Mason Branch Manager, Rebeca.
How did you get into library work? I’m newish to library work (2022). Books and libraries have always been my passion, but I had never visualized a clear path to working in one, until 2010 when I was finishing my undergraduate degree. I randomly had a conversation with one of the librarians at SCSU. She asked me what I was going to do when I graduated and I had no clue. She suggested, as a fellow Latina, that I think about librarianship. She pointed out to me that there was a strong and growing need for Latinos and Spanish speakers in the field. She then told me what I needed to do (get my master’s degree in Library Science) and what a typical workday was like for her. Clear pathway is now established. But life got busy and I had a family to raise and take care of, so it was a dream deferred for many years. Finally in my 40s, I said now is the time. I went back to school and began working at West Haven Library!
Favorite things about working in libraries or West Haven Library specifically? Being a branch librarian, I think I get the best of both worlds. I love seeing the children excited to come into the library to play, check out a book, or complete the latest scavenger hunt. And I also love talking to the fellow adult readers about their latest reads, why they liked it, and why they didn’t. In West Haven Library specifically, it has to be hands down the staff. I work with a group of kind, dedicated, and hilarious people.
What types of books do you like to read? Historical fiction is my go-to comfort read. But I really like all types of books as long as it’s a compelling story.
Hidden (or not so hidden) talents? Ha! I have very strong toes that I use to pick things up with. And I can pinch with them.
Do you have any pets? I am owned by a crazy German Shepherd named Sadie. She’s a good owner but boy, she sure is bossy!
What are some of your hobbies? I love, love, love to read. Since I was little, I always had my head in some book.
Any fun/unusual facts about yourself? Well I’m left-handed which isn’t too unusual. But what is funny is that there seem to be a lot of lefties in library world.
Favorite place to travel to or the place you wish you could visit the most? I love to travel to different countries as much as time and budget allows. I would say that the place I would like to visit most, is the places I’ve never been.
Favorite food to cook/eat? Pernil with white rice and beans. Pure joy.
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