2009 Eureka! Leadership Institute: Amparo Madera

As Branch Manager and Librarian II for the Lemon Grove Library, San Diego County Library System, I am interested in developing and implementing programs which enhances the library experiences of the special needs and specifically visually impaired customers. I relocated from New York City to San Diego almost four years ago to pursue a career in public librarianship. I had been visiting San Diego the last three years for my summer and winter vacations. I just loved the Californian people's easy going attitude and San Diego's sunny weather. I realized after visiting San Diego a couple of times that I felt very happy here probably because of the climate factor. I was born in the Dominican Republic and did my schooling in New York City and spent all my summer vacations in Santo Domingo up until I started college.

I attended Marymount College of Fordham University in Tarrytown, New York. My undergraduate degree was in International Careers. This major allowed for a foreign language field of study in participating in a Junior Year Abroad program at The University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain. I learned a lot about Spanish arts, culture and their way of life. This was a wonderful opportunity to travel throughout Europe and immersion in the European culture. Upon graduation from college, I worked in various professional careers ranging from International Banking, Marketing, Sales and Office Management. Having earned an undergraduate degree in a Liberal Arts college, I was able to experience a broad range of careers as a generalist. After my last assignment in office management, I decided I wanted to give back in some small way to society. I wanted a job where I can help people and in return feel a sense of personal satisfaction even if the pay was not lucrative.

I took a job abroad in the Dominican Republic teaching in an elementary school, English to third graders. I really had enjoyed this experience so I decided to pursue graduate school in New York. I was hired to work with the New York City Board of Education as an Elementary school teacher while working on my Master's degree in Education. Then an opportunity came up to work as a librarian as the school librarian was on medical leave. I jump at the opportunity not knowing much about the library world but only that it was a golden opportunity and not many teachers are ask by their school principal to embark on but only a chosen few. As it turned out I loved the library world of reading and collaborating with students, teachers, parents as well as the school and professional community outreach efforts. As a result of the transition of school principals, I was asked to facilitate the completion of a million dollar library grant by the Robin Hood Foundation. This library project took three years to complete. This was a rewarding experience witnessing the smiles of inner city children have a dream come true…into a world of reading. While working full time, I also completed my Masters Degree in Library Science and Information from Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York. This was made possible through a generous library grant by The Robin Hood Foundation.

I am enjoying my position as a Branch Manager at the Lemon Grove Library. It is a satisfying work experience to serve the public with their information, program and community outreach needs. I work closely with the Lemon Grove School District and the Lemon Grove Community Collaborative. I oversee all major community programs such as Hispanic Heritage month Festival, Black history Month, Women History, Older American Month and Youth and Adult Summer Reading Programs.

As I mentioned, I am interested in developing and implementing programs which enhances the library experiences of the special needs and specifically visually impaired customers. My goal is for these customers to view the library as a special place that empowers and encourages all age groups with disabilities inclusive of family, care providers, friends and volunteers by offering services and library programs to inspire, inform, educate and entertain.