MLIS 2011 {Beta Phi Mu Member}
Programs, Outreach, Youth Services Manager​
Monterey County Free Libraries
Marina, CA USA

What I am doing now.

Currently I am the Program, Outreach, Youth Services Manager for Monterey County Free Libraries. In this position one of my main roles is planning and developing the Summer Reading Program for MCFL, which consists of 15 branches. I oversee MCFL’s 10 Homework Centers and conduct trainings for the Homework Center Coordinators. I also oversee MCFL’s Branchlets (Little Free Libraries), which are spreadout throughout the County, and oversee MCFL’s social media platforms. I have two wonderful employees, one of whom drives our mobile outreach vehicle. I work in the administrative offices and because of this am able to visit all of our branches on a regular basis to make sure that I am in touch with their needs and am helping to develop programs that are a good fit for all. I also am the selector for all of the youth materials, young adult materials and graphic novels for the whole system. I also write a monthly blurb for Monterey Bay Parent Magazine.

Previously, I worked at the San Mateo Public Library as a Children’s Librarian for 5 years, where I was on the collection development team, social media team, served as the staff liasion to the Latino Cultural Advisory Committee and oversaw Tween Programming. I then worked at the Monterey Public Library for a year and half as a Youth Services Librarian where I developed a number of strong community partnerships and drove the Bookmobile. I have also worked for San Mateo County Libraries, Redwood City Public Library and Palo Alto Public Library in a variety of positions from aide, library assistant, storytime librarian and reference librarian.

I recently returned to SJSU to get my Post Master’s Certificate in Library Leadership and Management. One of my proudest accomplishments is being featured in School Library Journal’s 2015 article “What do Tweens Want?”

What are the most valuable skills I use in my job?

The most valuable class I took while getting my MLIS was Professor Wren-Estes’ class on conducting programs for youth, specifically storytime. I learned so much in this class and definitely considering storytime on of my strongest skills (I was the storytime librarian at Redwood City Public Library for a year!). I also loved classes that focused on materials for youth and YA because they exposed me to titles outside my normal comfort zone and has helped with all of the collection development and selection I do. 

I also find it valuable that SJSU offers the Post Master’s Certificate and I am taking advantage of to refresh my skills in an area I did not focus on when I first got my MLIS.

Contact Permission

It is OK to contact this alumni.

Send email to: Alison Day