“I was a mentor in this program and it was a really great experience, more than I thought it would be! The mentorship program is pretty hands off once it gets rolling, but staff regularly checks in to ensure all mentors and mentees are getting along and things are progressing smoothly. I really enjoyed being able to meet up and talk about the in's and out's of librarianship - basically all the things I had wished someone had talked to me about before I started my journey, so I wouldn't have worried so much! I really enjoyed it and would definitely sign up again. I encourage all those who are curious to give it a shot!”

“I wasn’t certain I was ready for this type of role, however, I leaned into my experience and knowledge. I would also be learning from my mentee which gave me greater confidence. They will be an amazing mentor themselves one day! I am grateful opportunities like this are available through the RAILS BIPOC Library Workers Group and hope this experience also proves valuable for all who participate.”

“The RAILS BIPOC Mentorship Program helped open my pathway to the world of librarianship. As someone who is still in the early phases of my library career, it was great to meet/network with other BIPOC librarians and discover more professional development opportunities that can help further me in librarianship. My mentor, Claire, was amazing and I was glad to match with her.”

“I joined the RAILS BIPOC Mentorship Program as a mentor for the first time this year, and I didn’t realize just how much my mentees would end up pouring into me. I wasn’t sure what kind of mentor I’d be, but once we started meeting, the conversations flowed naturally. Every session left me feeling full—encouraged, inspired, and deeply connected. We shared stories, asked big questions, and held space for each other’s truths. I hope my mentees felt growth and support, because I certainly did. The most unexpected gift? I made new friends. 

This experience reminded me how powerful community and shared experiences can be. Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it.”

“As a new professional in the library field, it is difficult to know where to start when it comes to networking or finding opportunities outside of the building, especially as a BIPOC library worker. This mentorship program was the perfect starting point! While my mentor worked in a different department than me, the knowledge shared was invaluable. I was able to visit other libraries and have real conversations about my current role, future endeavors, and life outside of work. Once I gain more experience, I hope to be a mentor in the program too!”

“The RAILS BIPOC Library Workers Mentorship Group has been invaluable to my experience working in libraries! I was paired with Angelica, who was so kind and patient in helping me navigate starting out in the library world.  I am so grateful to the program for connecting me with someone who I could contact for advice and talk through major work decisions with. The program encourages monthly meetups with your mentor and other participants of the program. I am so grateful for this opportunity to build connections in the library world and help in navigating this career field!”

“My main goal was to cater to the immediate professional needs of my mentee and being open to learning from my mentee as well. I learned how to be more authentic while being the support my mentee needed. I am so grateful for my mentee and the BIPOC Mentorship Program 2023 for connecting us.”