2009 Eureka! Leadership Institute: Valerie Maginnis

Yes is my favorite word. "Yes, we can do that". "Yes, we can make that work". "Yes, we will find a way". And that is how it is at the Mission Viejo Library. I have been the Director of Library Services for the City of Mission Viejo for twelve years. I came to Mission Viejo four months before the City opened its new library. There were many tasks to accomplish in those four months. By using my favorite word, "yes", our team was able to complete those tasks and open the Mission Viejo Library on schedule to a very enthusiastic community.

Yes, as a library director, I strategize, budget, analyze, organize, evaluate, motivate, develop and implement policy, problem solve, collaborate, cooperate, delegate, and, lead. My job is very fulfilling. I have had the opportunity, with our team, to design and create a library that is truly responsive to community needs, and, is an integral component of our City. My library career has taken me from the Lewiston Public Library in Lewiston, Idaho, to the Henderson Public Library in Henderson, Nevada, the Shasta County Public Library in Redding, the Grand Canyon Community Library on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the Riverside City/County Public Library, and, the Mission Viejo Library. My first position, fresh out of library school, was as a Branch Manager/Children's Librarian. I have been fortunate to have always had a mentor who has served not only as a role model, but also an advisor and counselor. By watching and learning from my mentors, I developed those leadership skills that I apply every day both inside and outside the library. A strong interest in leadership led me to complete my MPA degree in 2008.

Yes, I enjoy being involved in my community. I am a member of the Kiwanis. Belonging to this service organization has resulted in many new friendships, both personal and for the library. I also love to participate in City-sponsored activities. I find that this opportunity to "build community" is fun for me and even better for the library. When I am not at work, I like to travel, read non-fiction, and watch HGTV and TLC. I have a 28-year old son who, amazingly (or not!), loves to read.

I am excited to be participating as a back-up mentor for the 2009 Eureka! Leadership Institute. At the Spring 2009 Anniversary event I was so impressed and energized by the eager, talented, fearless, intuitive, and dedicated Fellows who have made a commitment to pursue library leadership roles. My professional accomplishments have been influenced by the encouragement, advice, and perspective that I received from my mentors. They inspired me to seek leadership roles. I am grateful to them for that. I would like to return that favor.