HPL Blogs

 

Hartford Public Library is pleased to announce Mirna Gutierrez-Saucedo of Anaheim, CA, as the 2025 recipient of the Caroline M. Hewins Scholarship, awarded annually to promising library students who intend to become children’s librarians. Gutierrez-Saucedo is currently studying for her Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) at San Jose State University, where her coursework addresses the evolving needs of today’s youth.

In 2025, she was awarded the following: the Sanpdragon Foundation Grant, the Frances Lincoln Librarian Prize, the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and the Dale Community Schools Grant.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became interested in a career in libraries?

As a daughter of Guatemalan immigrants who support my love of reading despite limited formal education, I understand the powerful role libraries play in opening doors for people of all cultures, backgrounds, education levels, and socioeconomic statuses. I was raised in Anaheim, CA, from the age of four, and libraries have been meaningful spaces throughout my life. As an English learner with parents who spoke only Spanish, the library was one of the few welcoming places where my family felt comfortable. My mom took us to story time, and later, as a first-generation college student and commuter, the city and university libraries became my personal oasis.

As S.R. Ranganathan said, “A library is a growing organism,” and I take that to heart.

I spent sixteen years in retail, where I discovered how much I enjoy talking to people and helping them find what they’re looking for. When a school library technician position opened in the district I once attended, a friend encouraged me to apply. After several interviews, I was offered my current position.

Tell us a little bit about your experience volunteering and working in libraries.

More than fourteen years ago, my first library job was part-time at a local branch, which introduced me to the library’s behind-the-scenes operations and sparked my interest in pursuing a career in libraries. After leaving for a full-time position at a law office, I made it my goal to apply for every full-time library opening I could, an effort that took about two years.

I began my school library journey in 2018, and for the past eight years, I’ve been the library technician at Anaheim Union Library’s School District. In this role, I’ve learned to weed the collection by removing outdated materials, secured multiple grants to update our shelves, and consistently advocated for a student-centered library. I regularly survey students to understand what they want from their library, which has led to expanding our board game collection, creative programming, and raising funds. As a result, the library has become a vibrant space during lunch where students read, play games, and participate in monthly activities.

Last summer, I began an internship with Access Books, a Los Angeles–based nonprofit that supports underfunded school libraries. My experience in selection, deselection, and cataloging helped me contribute meaningfully to their team. I plan to continue to work with them as my graduate student schedule allows.

What are your goals for your library career?

My primary goal is to become a youth services librarian in a public library, where I can continue supporting our youth, especially those in underserved communities. To prepare for this path, my Library Technology Certificate gave me valuable insight into the responsibilities of a library technician, which has helped me both in my current role and in building a strong foundation for the MLIS program I am now completing.

Beyond that, I aim to expand my professional network, stay informed about emerging trends and technologies, and contribute to the broader library community by sharing insights and best practices. I want to develop inclusive, engaging programs that amplify youth voices, diversify collections, and strengthen access to information for all families. Ultimately, I hope to help create library spaces that are dynamic, welcoming, and transformative for the communities they serve.

It is also a long-term goal of mine to mentor students who may feel that graduate school is financially out of reach. Through my MLIS program and my involvement in ALA divisions, I’ve learned about many grants and scholarships. Still, I know not everyone has the financial means to join associations or access this information efficiently. I want to help bridge that gap by supporting students in library technology programs and ensuring they know what resources and pathways exist if they wish to pursue an MLIS. There is so much I wish I had known before my first semester, and I hope to use my experience to make the process more transparent and accessible for others.

 What do you enjoy about working with children?

Every day, every year, is different working with children, and that is what I enjoy the most. Their needs and interests constantly evolve, which reminds me how important it is for our collection and programs to grow with them. I love it when parents reach out for book recommendations, but even more meaningful are the moments when students stop me in the hallway to talk about what they’re reading or come to the library excited to request a book or series they’ve heard about.

When students feel comfortable asking me to order a new title, suggest a board game, or share ideas for our activities, it tells me they feel seen, heard, and valued in their library. Those interactions, where their curiosity, confidence, and sense of belonging shine through, are what make working with children so rewarding for me.

Do you have any book suggestions?

I have so many favorite books! I’m what you might call a “feelings reader.” When I’m sad, I gravitate toward happy, uplifting stories, and when I’m in a great mood, I love diving into historical fiction, and Ruta Sepetys is one of my favorite authors. This winter break, I’m excited to reread Scythe by Neal Shusterman. My younger sister and I recently attended one of his author events, and it inspired me to revisit the series, especially now that we know he’s working on a prequel.

Scythe is the first book in Neal Shusterman’s Arc of a Scythe trilogy. It’s a fast-paced, thought-provoking dystopian novel in which hunger, disease, and even death have been eliminated thanks to advanced technology.

What is your favorite library memory?

As I mentioned before, my mom would take my siblings and me to the library for story time. At our main branch, story time was held in the basement, and while I loved the stories themselves, the most meaningful memory is of my mother bringing us even when she didn’t understand the language.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Although my ultimate goal is to become a youth services librarian in a public library, school libraries will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope to collaborate with local school libraries and continue advocating for adequate library funding. Strong school-public library partnerships are essential for supporting children and families, especially since school libraries are often understaffed and underfunded.

I will always have a five-second elevator speech ready when advocating for school libraries. If you’re able, consider reaching out to your local school library to ask for its book wish list or how you can help. Support like that truly matters. School libraries and teacher librarians are often the first to face cuts, and students suffer the most. Many leaders credit books and literacy with their success, underscoring the importance of supporting school libraries.

When I’m not advocating for school libraries, literacy, or youth voices, you can find me exploring libraries, bookstores, and museums with my partner Kyle. I’m also a huge fan of board games they’re a form of visual literacy, and I can be pretty competitive, and game nights are huge in our household.

I’d also like to take a moment to thank my parents. They may not have understood my voracious reading and talking when I was younger, but they always supported it. A special thanks to my mother, who never said no when I begged to go to the library after her long workdays. We didn’t have much financially growing up, but card games and library visits gave me worlds to explore. And our nights spent playing cards around the dining room table are one of my fondest memories. We’re all still avid board-game players, and now we’re bringing the next generation to the table with us.

Immigrant and refugee teens, Apolina, Abigail, Juliana, and Djaly, came to Hartford Public Library’s (HPL) The American Place (TAP) and found a welcoming community and life-changing opportunities.

Apolina: A Scholar and Citizen

Apolina, originally from Tanzania, Africa, and her family arrived in the United States as refugees. She was a member of the inaugural class of immigrant and refugee teens to attend HPL’s after-school program for English learners.

She graduated from Bulkeley High School, where she played on the varsity girls’ soccer team, and was recognized as a Hartford Promise Scholar. At CT State Capital, Apolina was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and earned an Associate of Health Sciences. She is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human biology at Central Connecticut State University.

Abigail: Future Educator

Abigail and her family immigrated from Peru. While attending Bulkeley High School, Abigail participated in HPL’s after-school English program. She continued her education at CT State Capital balancing her studies, work and responsibilities as a devoted mother to her young daughter.

Abigail earned her Associate of Early Childhood Education and will begin her studies at Central Connecticut State University this fall to become a teacher. Abigail is now a U.S. citizen with the assistance of HPL’s immigration staff.

Juliana: Mentor and Advocate

Juliana came to the U.S. from Peru with her mother during her junior year at Hartford Public High School. She quickly became an active member in TAP’s after-school program, even remaining connected to the Library during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While studying at CT State Community College Manchester, Juliana returned to HPL as a volunteer and mentor, encouraging immigrant high school students to pursue higher education. She also interned with the City of Hartford’s Office of Families, Children, and Youth. Juliana earned her Associate of Human Services and will begin her studies in social work at Central Connecticut State University in the fall. Juliana is now also a U.S. citizen, thanks to the help of HPL’s immigration staff.

 

From the left are Djaly and Juliana.

Djaly: Creative Leader

Djaly and her family immigrated from Peru, arriving in Hartford just before her senior year at Hartford Public High School. She quickly became a standout leader in TAP’s English program, excelling academically and mentoring in HPL’s YOUmedia.

Djaly began her college career at CT State Community College Manchester, where she earned an Associate of Graphic Design. Throughout her studies, she often held two or three jobs to cover tuition costs. In the fall, Djaly will begin her studies in marketing at Central Connecticut State University.

Looking Ahead

These graduates are examples of what is possible when given the support, resources, and encouragement needed to thrive. We are so proud of our graduates and we cannot wait to see what they accomplish next.

 

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.