-Professional Achieves
During a Storytime in a Head Start
A relentless pursuit of diversity, inclusivity, and community engagement has defined my journey as a children's librarian. Some achievements in Springdale Public Library are:
-Implemented a new Spanish Storytime program
-Implemented a new monthly multicultural program called Craft Around the World. This has been performed for around two years with excellent assistance.
-Added Spanish Storytime and STEAM backpacks to our collection.
-Added more Spanish-speaking and Marshallese performers to our programs.
-Before COVID, I visited 4 Head Start in Springdale, AR, once a month to have a Storytime with them in English and introduce Spanish words to help the development and growth of bilingual children.
-Also, I created an Instagram profile named @librosyalas, where I promote literature, culture, education, and literacy with book recommendations, activities for children, crafts, and events in the community for the Latino population. Another use that I have given to the platform is to facilitate collaborations with performers, such as Taina Almodovar, a Dominican children's book illustrator and resident in Spain, who has collaborated with virtual illustration workshops in SPL and who designed our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten mural.
Mural before
Taína's design
I plan focus on developing innovative programs that integrate emerging technologies and interactive learning experiences tailored to the needs and interests of young patrons, and their parents. Considerating that parenting programs provides caregivers with knowledge, resources, and support to develop skills enhancing child and family well-being, positimpacting the whole community.
Seeking to continue professional development opportunities and trainings in digital literacy and coding to incorporate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) elements into my programs, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills among children. Partneshing with schools, community organizations, and local businesses to expand outreach efforts and enrich program offerings, ensuring that I remain at the forefront of providing dynamic and inclusive learning environments for the next generation.