Community Connection

For the Community Connections Project, I choose to interview Dana Ionson, the Librarian & RLC Coordinator of the Terry Fox Library. I chose to contact someone at our local library since reading has always been my passion. For as long as I can remember, I have been going to the Terry Fox library and taking out books. When I was very little, I would go to stories times and other activities hosted in the library, and now that I’m older, I go with my three-year-old niece. My first dream job was to be an illustrator. I was about five, and though weighting was too much work. Now, I enjoy writing almost a such as I love reading, so I though the library was linked to my passions.

I sent an email to Dana Lonson and here is the reply:

Hi Jada,

Thanks for reaching out! My answers are below. FYI another student also approached me with this topic so when you asked the same question I copy and pasted from my earlier response.

1. Why are you passionate about your job? Because libraries! Libraries are amazing. They are the hub of the community. We have something for everyone! Regardless of age, gender, ability, income, you can join the library, use our resources and come to programs. Library programs connect people to each other and to their community. Library programs enrich the lives of community members.

2. What obstacles have you faced to get you where you are today? I think the hardest thing for me was finding libraries! I didn’t grow up using libraries and didn’t really think about public libraries as an option for me. I finished my undergraduate degree in anthropology knowing that I liked research. I went into the MLIS program (master’s in library science) thinking that I would work for an organization and do research. After the first term in the MLIS program I was on a summer break and a student position came up at the Squamish Public Library (where I’m from). I got the summer job and fell in love with libraries. I was very lucky – when I graduated with my MLIS there was a full job at the Maple Ridge Library that I started right away! This is not typically the experience of new graduates. Most new librarians need to work on call for some time before getting a permanent position.

3. What advice would you pass on to someone interested in what you are doing? Try to get some experience/insight into the library world. Join the Teen Advisory Group (for youth – our next meeting is on Tuesday, March 17 at 7pm – let me know if you want to come!) or Friends of the Library (for adults) and get involved. Come to library programs and get a better understanding of what libraries do. Visit the library often and borrow our resources!

Once you are sure that you are interested in a career in the library investigate what education you need for the type of job you want. For a list of jobs and the education they require check here: https://www.fvrl.bc.ca/careers.php

4. Why did you choose this as your job? Initially I chose to study Library Science because during my undergraduate degree (Anthropology at UVIC) I really liked research. I liked picking a topic, finding sources, reading and writing. I thought that I would end up in an academic or special library and do more of this! After my first experience working in a public library I fell in love with the variety of interesting tasks and opportunities at a public library.

5. What is your favourite part of what you do? I love helping customers find information or other materials that they would like. I especially love helping kids finding books that they are excited about. I love leading programs that bring people together or connect people to the library. I have so much fun leading story times for young kids, going out to schools to visit older kids and leading the monthly ukulele jam! (one of my favourite programs).

6. Would you be open to further contact from riverside students and if so, how can someone contact you?  Sure! Email me dionson@fvrl.bc.ca

Good luck!

Dana

Dana Ionson, Librarian & RLC Coordinator Fraser Valley Regional Library – Terry Fox Library

As RLC Coordinator, Dana is responsible for the annual Reading Links Challenge. The Challenge is for elementary school students and is a fairly large competition. Students form groups of four to six and read six books chosen by the library. Then, at the competition, they compete by answering questions about the six books. The reading links challenge is one of my favourite things about elementary school. I loved competing and as a team.

I chose top interview Dana Ionson because she is big contributor to the public activities at the library. Working with younger kids has always been something I am interested in, and I wanted to know more about the activities that I loved as a kid. Spending time n the library, helping others and being surrounded by books are all things I am passionate about, so I figured this was a good option. I learned a lot more about the programs at the library and ways I can become more involved. It was great to know more about the libraries and I loved the opportunity to communicate with someone who knows so much about it.

Photos:

Wall of books (second image)-Pexles https://www.pexels.com/photo/assorted-title-books-on-brown-wooden-shelf-1517355/

All the other photos I took or drew myself