Have you ever met someone who lights up a room? Someone you want to get to know because their smile is contagious. That’s Hillsboro Public Library’s new Student Success Librarian, Yannette Ayala.
We asked Yannette a few questions about herself and her work serving the community.
Why did you choose to work for the City of Hillsboro as the Student Success Librarian?
I was an HSD teacher and wanted to continue to work with the Hillsboro School District community. Although I was ready for a career change, I wasn’t ready to leave the Hillsboro community.
I wanted my students and parents to know that I would still be around to help, even if I were in a different space. I want them visit and think, “Look, Ms. Ayala works at the library; she can help us!”
I think this was the best transition I could’ve made. I get to make decisions based on our students’ needs because I have a connection with the community. The conversations are open and straightforward. I can deliver the needs and give reasoning behind them because we have an ongoing dialogue.
One aspect of this role is building programs for kids, teens, and families. Also, to promote free library resources and to develop partnerships with organizations that provide more opportunities for the Hillsboro community.
What does Student Success mean for community members?
Student Success is access to resources to support students’ learning. It’s another location where a student can ask for help. In a perfect world, all our students would have 1-1 teacher interactions, wi-fi at home, a quiet workspace, and after-school tutors, but that isn’t always the case. The library is a place where we cultivate Student Success. We want students to have the library for those missing components they may not have at home or simply just have more options. Hillsboro Public Library provides:
- A space where a student can rent a study room for free
- Virtual and personal tutoring
- Hotspots
- Online research services
- Musical instruments
- Free programs & events that promote student growth
What goals are you focusing on first?
My short-term goals are to connect all students to their Student Library Card, so they can access what we offer on top of what their schools offer.
Second goal is to offer more writing workshop programs for our teens, workshops on how to write a scholarship essay or college essay, or creative writing workshop sessions.
I want to recruit educators, authors, and writers to facilitate these writing workshop sessions for our youth.
Was there something in your lived experience that led you to work in this space?
As Ta-Nehisi states, “…The library was open, unending, free.”
As a young adult, I knew the library had free resources I didn’t have at home. That’s where I printed my resumes, essays, and applications. Not only that, but it was a place where I could find answers and explore a topic even when it wasn’t assigned as a student.
I always found the library to be a haven, a place of peace, and a bridge to success. A positive relationship with the library led me to work in this space. I know the power it holds and continues to give to the community that may need resources.
What else do you want people to know about you?
I can rap Tupac and Kendrick Lamar without reading the lyrics! I love loud music, yoga, and traveling to a warm beach. I love to ski nice and slow. Tacos al pastor & tortas de milanesa are the key to my heart.
What are the top questions patrons ask you?
- "Is the library card free?" Answer: YES!
- "Wait, I can rent out party supplies for free?" Answer: YES! The Library of Things has a variety of party supplies you can check out for up to seven days.
- "What kind of services does the library provide for educators?" Answer: We can do a Student Library Card presentation, build a customized book list with online and physical resources, provide Classroom Book Kits, host field trips, organize author school visits, plan computer classes for parents, and the list goes on.
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