jock librarian

I've been nursing a dream all summer. With the Huntington 10K and Governors Island Swims behind me, my focus has now turned toward preparation for one major race: The 17th Annual Chicago Masters' Big Shoulders 5K. My purpose for swimming this challenging event is to support REFORMA's efforts to promote library services to Latinos and Spanish-speakers and specifically raise monies for the association's annual scholarship drive. As a librarian working in New York City, I understand the importance of developing robust Spanish-language and Latino-oriented collections, but also recognize how critical it is that public libraries begin to actively recruit bilingual and multicultural staff. We need skilled library staff to lead bilingual storytimes, teach Spanish-language computer classes and help us effectively address the informational and reading needs of our Spanish-speaking patrons.

In swimming the 5K, I would like to honor Yolanda Bonitch, a very special librarian who has for many years been closely associated with outreach services. Yolanda has positively impacted the lives of thousands of New York City residents and through her daily work has set a fine example for many public librarians.