Leaja Johnson
On Tuesday, May 6, Hartford Public Library welcomed nonprofit leaders for an inspiring in-person workshop, Essential Tools for Nonprofit Success.
Gathering with passionate individuals committed to building stronger, more resilient communities was a joy.
This session, presented in partnership with the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, focused on equipping small nonprofits with the tools, resources, and expert guidance they need to grow their impact. Attendees explored powerful research tools, discovered capacity-building opportunities, and made meaningful connections with peers and professionals.
This workshop is part of an ongoing effort to support and strengthen the nonprofit sector in Hartford and beyond. We look forward to continuing these vital conversations—and hope to see you at future sessions!
Hartford Public Library is pleased to announce Jessica Perez of Long Beach, CA, as the 2024 recipient of the Caroline M. Hewins Scholarship, given annually to promising library school students who intend to become children’s librarians.
Jessica works as a Library Assistant at the Billie Jean King Main Library. She is pursuing her Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) to become a children’s librarian, and winning this scholarship is just a step closer to achieving her goal of contributing to her community by supporting, educating, and uplifting young readers.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became interested in a career in libraries?
After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in 2020 from California State University, Long Beach, I explored different career paths before discovering librarianship (a profession concerned with acquiring and organizing collections of books and related materials in libraries and servicing readers and others with these resources). I didn’t have a clear vision of what I wanted to do, but I knew I enjoyed working with children. My first job after college was at the Boys and Girls Club, where I led after-school activities for elementary school students. Later, I worked as a paraeducator at a middle school, supporting students with learning disabilities.
While I valued both experiences, I realized classroom teaching wasn’t quite the right fit for me. Working in a school located in a low-income community and growing up in the community gave me a deep appreciation for the value of accessible resources. After deciding that teaching wasn’t my path, I started researching other career options, and that’s when I realized I could become a librarian.
A children’s librarian will be the perfect fit. It allows me to combine my passion for working with kids with my desire to serve my community. The more I learned about libraries, the more deeply I connected with the profession. It’s a career that lets me encourage creativity and positions me to help bridge gaps in access to resources and opportunities.
Tell us a little bit about your experience volunteering and working in libraries.
My experience in libraries has been enriching so far. I’ve worked as a library assistant in both Teen Services and Youth Services, which has allowed me to work with different age groups and plan various programs.
One of my favorite roles was serving as the Youth Poet Laureate program coordinator. It was inspiring to organize events for young poets and see their talents and voices shine throughout the community. Connecting with the teens who visited our TeenSpace was also a highlight. I enjoyed building relationships with them and helping to create a space where they felt welcome and supported.
What are your goals for your library career?
My ultimate goal is to become a children’s librarian. As a future children’s librarian, I aim to create an environment where kids see the library as more than just a quiet space for reading; it can be a fun, inclusive, and engaging place where learning feels exciting. I aim to design programs fostering creativity, curiosity, and connection while ensuring every child feels welcome and valued. During my time as a paraeducator, I noticed instances where some students felt excluded or struggled because practices in the classroom didn’t align with their learning styles or accessibility needs. These experiences reinforced my commitment to creating equitable spaces and designing programs that prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate and thrive.
What do you enjoy about working with children?
I enjoy fueling their spark. Children are naturally creative, curious, and full of ideas. I enjoy helping them channel that energy through storytelling, crafts, or hands-on learning experiences. I love watching their imaginations come alive and lighting them up with excitement.
Do you have any book suggestions?
As a big fantasy fan, I highly recommend Long Live the Pumpkin Queen by Shea Ernshaw. It’s a sequel to The Nightmare Before Christmas and follows Sally Skellington as she navigates life after marrying Jack. The story focuses on her journey of self-discovery and overcoming self-doubt.
I read this book right before applying to an MLIS program. It pushed me to let go of my fears and pursue my goals.
What is your favorite library memory?
I have so many fond memories of Libraries, but one that stands out is going to the library with my mom and older sister when we were kids. We’d spend hours browsing the shelves and picking out movies to take home. This simple ritual felt like a special treat without cable TV and added magic to our routine.
The library felt like a magical place, full of stories and adventures waiting to be discovered. I still remember the beautiful building with a garden view. It was such a welcoming, inspiring space, and those early visits were a big part of what sparked my love for Libraries.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I feel incredibly fortunate to be pursuing a career in libraries. Our work has the power to change lives by offering access to knowledge, resources, and support. I’m so excited to be part of that mission. I can’t wait to continue growing as a library professional and become a children’s librarian who makes learning fun and accessible for everyone.
Here are a few fun facts about me: I’m an avid runner training for the LA Marathon. Recently, I got a Sheepadoodle named Ellie. When I’m not running or hanging out with Ellie, you can probably find me listening to my favorite bands—The Strokes, Circa Survive, and Foster the People.