Between the Lines: August Member Spotlight
Armando Loera
Coordinator of Library Services
El Paso ISD
What inspired you to become a librarian?
I was inspired to become a librarian by a librarian I worked with. She saw my love of teaching, books, and reading and asked if I had ever considered becoming a librarian. She felt I would be perfect for the job. Before this conversation, I really hadn’t thought about it, but after she asked me, the more I thought about it, the more I loved the idea, and 20 years later, here I am.
What is an innovative practice at your library/organization (current or former) would you like to share with others?
I am very proud of the work that the EPISD community puts on every fall. For about ten years now, every November, the district celebrates reading by hosting “Read Across the District (RAD).” The EPISD community comes together for different activities and guest speakers throughout the day that showcase the importance of reading and literacy. It is wonderful to see the excitement students, parents, faculty, and staff have for this event.
If you could have dinner with three authors (living or dead), who would they be and why?
Charles Dickens is a master storyteller. Dickens’ words “make me feel” what each character is feeling, and I am transported into his world, as if by magic. Gabriel Garcia Marquez makes me feel similar; I lose myself when I read Garcia Marquez’s work. He has a way of mesmerizing you and making you feel what his characters are feeling. As well as various picture book authors, I love picture books because most of my time in education has been spent working at the elementary level. There is nothing better than reading a book to children (of all ages) and seeing them light up with excitement with what you are reading.
What are you reading right now?
I am not reading anything right now, but I am about to start reading this coming year’s 2 x 2s and Bluebonnets. I also have some Maverick List books that I need to read. I love reading these books and discussing them with librarians throughout the year.
What is your most memorable Texas Library Association Experience?
Attending TLA Conferences has been the most memorable. Every time that you attend, you get to experience new things and people, meet with colleagues, discuss “all things library,” and exchange ideas. To top it off, you get to meet great authors. I especially love attending the Bluebonnet Awards Banquet. It has always been the highlight of the conference for me.
Advice to new librarians?
I think the best advice to give to new librarians is to seek mentorship from seasoned librarians. Librarians are very giving, love to share, and provide a wealth of information and experience. Having a mentor makes life and librarianship easier; with time, mentors become colleagues and partners.
Share your hobbies, hidden talents, and anything people might not know about you.
I love going to the movies. Once upon a time, I thought I wanted to be a filmmaker. A hidden talent that I have is that I am a horrible singer. I think I am tone-deaf, and thus, I cannot carry a tune. Not everyone can say they are horrible singers, but I can. The sad thing is that I love to sing.
Anything else you would like to share?
I invite those librarians who are not TLA members to join the association. TLA truly provides a wealth of support.
Please finish this sentence. “I am a TLA member because…”
I am a TLA member because it allows me to grow as a librarian. TLA is a place where I go for advice, ideas, and inspiration and where I can also provide those things to others. TLA provides a platform to discuss “all things library” and be active members of an organization that makes us better educators and human beings.