Hello everyone, my name is Gabby and I am currently in my last year of the MLIS program. I have been in the program for over two years now, and have worked in libraries for the past five years. I began as a library associate at the Denver Public Library and now I do similar work at the Nashville Public Library. Before working in libraries, I was a middle school special education teacher and decided to pivot when I saw a lot of systemic inequity impacting the literacy rates of my students.

I love libraries for many reasons, but I would say the access, dignity, and creativity that libraries nurture are what I connect to the most. I was drawn to this course because of its centering on evolving services that lead with the heart. I am really excited to wrap up the program with a course that is reflective in an intentional way while also learning alongside others.

Here is a picture of me and my tiny baby I had last semester! He loves water and fish, and was probably a mermaid in his past life. Although he keeps me on my toes and incredibly tired, having a baby has made me see life and libraries in a new way. I get to experience the world from the perspective of someone that is seeing everything for the first time, and it makes me so excited to embrace his wonder, and ultimately the wonder of everyone who enters our evolving library spaces.