2009 Eureka! Leadership Institute: Lia Hernandez

I am currently a Reference and Teen Librarian in Huntington Beach, California. I work at the busy Central Library, home to a community of over 200,000 residents. My job entails many traditional Reference Librarian tasks like collection development, research assistance, and program development. In addition, I often supervise support staff, assist with library renovation, and participate in the strategic planning process. I also enjoy working out in the community. In recent years I have volunteered as an Adult Literacy tutor and worked as adjunct faculty at Golden West Community College.

Ten years ago, I entered management without formal training, managing one of the early joint-use libraries in Riverside County. While I enjoyed the challenge, I felt unprepared for leadership at such an early point in my career, and stepped away to work as a Reference Librarian. Now I'm ready to return! I came to Eureka as a result of conversations with others who had participated in this program and I really feel that the Institute will provide me with the additional management skills needed to move into future leadership roles.