By Tess Goldwasser
What is your role in the GLBTRT?
I’m currently the Treasurer. I’ve served on the Board for a long time, since 2007 (2007 to 2009, Treasurer; 2009 to 2011, Co-chair; and 2011 until Annual this year, Treasurer).
What does the GLBTRT mean to you?
GLBTRT is my “home base.” I enjoy and benefit from divisions and ALA level activities, but GLBTRT is where I start and where I come home. I love that I meet librarians who work in all kinds of libraries at all stages of their careers. I’ve figured out a solution to a public library problem from an academic librarian at a GLBTRT social. It’s small enough that you can get to know people and big enough that you can get to know many people.
Are you involved in ALA in other ways?
I’ve presented at the last few PLA conferences. Starting at this Annual, I’ll be serving on Council, as the Chapter Councilor from Texas. And I’ve chaired the Committee on Diversity.
What professional work do you perform?
I’ve been in public library management for about 15 years. I’ve worked in public libraries since 1981. Before that, I worked in a metal and welding shop!
What would you like to tell us about your personal life?
I’m a life member of the American Poultry Association, though I haven’t had chickens since I was in high school. I have a 10-year-old Italian greyhound. And I’ve been single so long that I forget to mention it.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud of many things. I grew up in a small town and in the countryside, but I’ve figured out how to navigate cities–including NYC. I’ve changed from a child so shy that my great grandmother thought I was deaf–she’d never heard me speak though I saw her once a week through college–to an adult most people think of as extroverted. At one branch I managed, I successfully achieved matching the community demographics to the demographics of the library users. And I’ve been out at work since I started working. I’m really proud of that.
Who inspires you?
A letter from Barbara Gittings helped me decide to become a librarian. Her work continues to inspire me. Along with many friends, colleagues, religious leaders, and others, I’d also like to call out my junior high librarian from Enid, Oklahoma. Her name was Virginia Atchinson and I still strive to be as good a librarian as she was.
What is your favorite holiday and how do you celebrate?
Easter is the biggest holiday in my family. My mother’s mother’s family has had a big family Easter since at least the late 19th century. It’s a combination holiday and family reunion, with a lot of food and with an egg hunt for everyone there–not just for children. It’s way out in the country.
If you could be transported into the fictional world of any book, where would you go?
I think I’d like to know the characters in The Front Runner, though somehow without the tragic ending (though that’s the right ending for the book).
What do you have to say about the future of libraries?
I think libraries as institutions that create manageable chunks of information and culture, and as places for people to gather to interact with information and culture, will always exist. They will likely exist with other institutions, just as radio, movies, television, and steaming services co-exist.
Where would you like to see the GLBTRT go in the future?
With the growth of our investment fund, over time all the book awards will be funded by income from that fund. That will free about $3,000 each year for operations. That could mean more robust programs and more support and resources for members who can’t attend conferences. And, of course, I love the socials!