West PDX Today

Gina and Serena, tell us about yourselves.

Gina: I am originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, and moved to Oregon in 2010. I enjoy traveling, reading, drawing, camping, and going out dancing with friends. I’ve worked in libraries for ten years and love working in a profession where I get to help people. 

Serena: I usually spend my off time with family and friends and am always on some kind of adventure. I am currently trying my best to learn Spanish using the Duo app, spending at least an hour a day on it. My favorite color is yellow, I love foods (and people) that are both salty and sweet, my favorite season is fall, and my favorite sport is track (soccer is a bit of a fave too).

What led you to work for the City of Hillsboro?

Gina: I had worked at Hillsboro before and strongly identified with the patron-focused work culture. 

Serena: Volunteering! Shute Park has been my home library for over 20 years. My kids grew up in this library. I had an opportunity to volunteer during summer vacation from Chemeketa Community College, where I was working in the library. Hannah Mason supported me as I volunteered, and when a Page position was open, she encouraged me to apply, so here I am today! 

What (or who) inspires you?

Gina: Kindness and compassion inspire me. 

Serena: My mama. I have seen my mom go through so many things over many years. She’s still a very kind and sweet soul through all of it. She was a well-known welder (she began welding at age 19, with no schooling), who started working in the shipyards in the 1970s, no easy task for a female back then. She’s also fighting cancer with vigor. She is resilient!

When you walk through Shute Park Library what do you see and think about?

Gina: I see our staff building relationships through excellent service, and I think about how impactful the library is in improving the lives of our patrons. Shute Park is always bustling with activity, and it is very satisfying to see our community utilizing our programs and services. It makes me grateful to be a part of this team!Serena: I think of the scene from A Wonderful Life. The scene where George is running down the street and yells, “I love you, old Building & Loan!” I love this library like that! I see community, compassion, care, kindness, and excellent customer service daily.

Tell us a good story about your job.

Gina: I had a blast during the Dia de Los Niños program on April 29! Interacting with so many kids and families was great — and seeing their joy and excitement. Also, seeing team members Jovanna and Abdiel dressed up in inflatable dinosaur and Pikachu costumes was a highlight.Serena: One day I spent time with a regular patron and taught her how to use our sewing machine to repair a much-needed blanket. She took the time to follow directions and gave it a real try, leaving me impressed. As I was teaching her, we had a nice chat. She shared with me some of her life experiences. I was touched, feeling that she trusted me. Days later, she brought me a box of cookies to show her appreciation.

What is it like to spend a day doing your job?

Gina: A day in the life of my job is busy and rewarding! I get to work alongside an awesome team of people I admire and get to serve a diverse community where I feel like I make a difference. Serena: There is always something to do. We’re just busy. I usually spend my day supporting staff, checking on the building, checking in with volunteers, and interacting with the public. I also work on a few staff-led teams and a City team. We could be checking on a book, and the next minute we could be on the plaza handling a patron interaction. Before you know it, the day is done!

Original source can be found here