Between the Lines: September Member Spotlight

Monica Alcaraz
Library Media Specialist
Irving ISD

1. What inspired you to become a librarian?
I have always wanted to be a librarian. Growing up, the best relationships I formed were built around a mutual love of books and stories. Books became my safe space and helped me learn how to navigate the world around me. When I became a classroom teacher, that connection to reading became even more important in building relationships with my students. Taking them to the North Texas Teen Book Festival and collaborating with my school librarian solidified my goal and inspired me to pursue this career. I am now entering my fourth year as a school librarian, and I love it so much.

2. What is an innovative practice at your library/organization (current or former) that you would like to share with others?
One of my middle school libraries has a long hallway in front without any display cases, so I decided to transform it into a storybook walk. I reached out to an elementary librarian in my district for guidance, then hung the pages of a book along the hallway with clear instructions. It quickly became part of our library visit rotation. To connect the activity to our writing TEKS, I added a short-constructed response at the end of the walk and included a QR code for students to submit their answers digitally. Sharing this idea sparked interest among other secondary librarians, and some began trying it in their own spaces. It was a lot of fun, and students loved the interactive experience.

3. If you could have dinner with three authors (living or dead), who would they be and why?
Elizabeth Acevedo – Her ability to weave poetry and storytelling into powerful, relatable narratives is inspiring. I’d love to hear about her creative process and how she captures the rhythm and emotion of real-life experiences.

Shel Silverstein – His whimsical, witty, and sometimes wonderfully weird work has brought joy to generations. I loved when my teacher would read aloud from “Where the Sidewalk Ends” and “Falling Up”; it would be amazing to experience meeting and speaking with him.

Stephenie Meyer – I was a dedicated Twilight reader in middle school, and her books had a huge impact on me as a young reader. I’d love to meet her and share how her stories shaped my reading journey, as well as talk about what it’s like to see her work continue to draw a fanbase and continue the love.

4. What are you reading right now?
I am reading two books at the moment, “Ollie in Between” by Jess Callans and “Alebrijes” by Donna Barba Higuera.

5. What is your most memorable Texas Library Association Experience?
The Bluebonnet Luncheon is one of my favorite events, and I have attended every year since becoming a librarian. I love hearing from the winning author, as well as the students who present and represent each Texas region. The planning and organization behind the event is thoughtful, creative, and a perfect reflection of the passion we all share for connecting kids with books.

6. Advice to new librarians?
Go to the TLA Conference! This was the best advice my mentor gave me. Ask for funds, apply for grants, save your pennies—find a way to go. There’s no better place to learn and grow than surrounded by fellow book lovers and community builders. The connections you make and the experiences you walk away with are invaluable. It’s truly a space for collaboration, inspiration, and professional growth.

7. Share your hobbies, hidden talents, or anything people might not know about you.
My fellow librarian, Angela Chipley, and I started a Facebook Group called Double Booked. It is for librarians who are split across two or more campuses. Going into becoming a librarian at two campuses, we couldn’t find resources for what techniques, strategies, and practices we could implement, so we decided to reach out at TxLA25 to start connecting with librarians. If you want to join and get ideas, you can!

8. Please finish this sentence. “I am a TLA member because…”
I am a TLA member because this extended community connects me to invaluable resources I can implement in my library, as well as to amazing people across our state and country who are passionate, kind, and welcoming.