Between the Lines: November Member Spotlight
Celeste Bleu
Assistant Manager, Programs, Partnerships & Outreach Division
Harris County Public Library
What inspired you to become a librarian?
Becoming a librarian was accidental. I applied to be a shelver at my local library at 19 after a nursing internship at a surgery center left me feeling purposeless. While I had never stepped into a public library before, it was an easy choice since I had found so much joy working in my middle school and high school libraries as a co-op class. Shortly after I was promoted into the technical services department, became a school librarian in another state, was a technology trainer, and circulation supervisor then came to find a great passion in the work I do now. This would have never happened, however, without the wonderful librarians who gave me equitable opportunities and poured their ever-increasing confidence into me. Thank you!
What is an innovative practice at your library/organization you would like to share with others?
As the first public library in Texas to win the IMLS National Medal, I can truly say my organization carries boundless innovation. It is all thanks to my visionary director who knows no limits when it comes to how we can best serve our patrons and community. I’ve been a part of so many incredible projects; ideas that started from pure imagination and were formed into powerhouse programs. Dream big!
If you could have dinner with three authors (living or dead), who would they be and why?
The Bronte Sisters and Jane Austen, to thank them for getting me through school. I grew up in a really rough district, and I often daydreamed about being in a different place. Their work helped me immensely.
What are you reading right now?
How Not to Die by Dr. Michael Gregor. I was fortunate to meet him earlier this year at a conference run by a non-profit I work with here in Houston. It is the November pick for the Harris County Employee Book Club which I host.
What is your most memorable Texas Library Association Experience?
I’ve been volunteering for eight years, so there are many! But I have to say that my District 8 Fall Conference with Mychal Threets talking about Library Joy is at the top! Our officers are sincerely the best team to work with, and we had so much fun putting it together. Second, but not far behind, has to be working with CPC 2025 to create the theme for our Annual Conference. It was such a thrilling week!
Advice to new librarians?
What we do changes the world. That has been the driving force for me anytime my purpose feels heavy and wavers. There will be magical days, and there will be days you are so out of sorts. Ultimately, the work matters. Hold on to that truth.
Share your hobbies, hidden talents, and anything people might not know about you.
When I am not in the administrative stacks, I am hiking at State Parks, eating at new and favorite restaurants, or reading in a dozen different voices to the happiest three-year-old in the world. While I am a terrible yogi, I’m a pretty good teacher thanks to my library work. So, I teach children mindfulness and yoga as often as I can.
Anything else you would like to share?
Volunteer with TLA, you will not regret it.
Please finish this sentence. “I am a TLA member because…”
We can make a difference, together!