Between the Lines: May Member Spotlight

Claudia Villarreal Quiroz

Reference Supervisor – McAllen Public Library

1. What inspired you to become a librarian?

I was inspired to pursue librarianship when my academic advisor asked, “Where is the one place you could be happy and work 8 hours a day?”  Without hesitation, I said McAllen Public Library, a place that inspired me to dream beyond my own capabilities.   The question was not about identifying my best skill, but about what brought me happiness, which helped me discover my purpose. My purpose was to uplift the community through programs and services that help people improve their lives, whether teaching computer literacy classes, conducting job fairs, facilitating book clubs, or making book recommendations.

2. What is an innovative practice at your library/organization (current or former) that you would like to share with others?

McAllen Public Library has a strong focus on community engagement through programs that serve our library patrons.  Some of our events include Job Fairs, Dia de los Niños, Back-to-School Bash, Community Health Fair, World Cultures Festival, and our annual South Texas Book Festival. Currently, McAllen Public Library has an Art Pathways Contest for children and teens ages 5 to 18. Participants read a book, paint their favorite scene on a canvas, and incorporate our Library Mascot, Marty the Library Cat, into the artwork. Our library displayed artwork in the gallery at the Main Branch, with a total of 500 entries.

3. If you could have dinner with three authors (living or dead), who would they be and why?

All of these authors have made a positive impact on my life.  While trying to figure out what genre I wanted to read, I found Dan Brown’s books fascinating.  His storylines were intriguing and included symbols and historical references that brought the stories to life. After reading John Maxwell’s book, “The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth,” I found my perspective on leadership transformed and my professional growth plan strengthened. Ina Garten has great recipes that are easy to follow. I learned how to cook using her recipes.

4. What are you reading right now?

I am currently reading Strong Ground by Brené Brown, The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown, and re-reading Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles.

5. What is your most memorable Texas Library Association Experience?

One of the most memorable experiences at TLA was becoming part of CPC 2026.  Serving on CPC gave me a different perspective about conference planning and was such a great experience.  It was a huge honor to be selected for this role within TLA, as it was one of my professional goals.  I was truly inspired by the work my colleagues do and learned from their expertise, which contributed to my own.

6. Advice to new librarians?

My advice to new librarians is to become familiar with your library’s facilities and policies.  There are so many resources that have helped with my career development, including: RUSA: Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service Providers, review the Crew Manual, ALA’s Core Competences of Librarianship, and Webjunction webinars.

7. Share your hobbies, hidden talents, or anything people might not know about you.

I am a librarian who loves Christmas tree design, math and genealogy research.

8. Please finish this sentence. “I am a TLA member because…”

I want to learn from other library professionals, build relationships and stay current with library practices.