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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.