Introduction

Hello, my name is Emily. In Fall 2020, I graduated from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania earning my master's degree in library science with a cumulative 4.0 GPA. Currently, I live in eastern Pennsylvania and work as a substitute accepting daily or long term librarian assignments at several school districts across the area.

I am a former middle school teacher via the school district of Philadelphia. During my time there, only about 7 librarians worked at the district serving over 125,000 students. Their website suggests that population is closer to over 200,000 students. The library at the school I taught for had many books but students were not allowed to enter because there was no librarian. Sadly, this is the reality for many other students and districts across the United States.

I have seen firsthand how the absence of librarians negatively impacts society and its communities, specifically communities of color. As a librarian, I hope to become part of a greater solution to this inequality. Along with an innate desire to help others master the 21st century skills needed to access credible information, I have a deep passion for music, libraries, and technology. It has always been my dream to have a career in music.

During free time I enjoy practicing ballet and modern dance, going to the beach, and spending time with my dog, family, and friends. I love movies and all genres of music. I am a classically trained musician, my favorite instrument is bass guitar. I'm also a lifelong animal rights and environmental activist and have been vegetarian since 2005 for these reasons.