Aimee Villet, Glen Carbon Centennial Library
Statement of Concern
The past few years have been some of the most difficult of my library career. Our society's polarization worsened as a pandemic swept the world. Our country typically has pulled together and set differences aside during times of tragedy, but instead, the polarization escalated. We have seen this in the way community members harass library staff and take over library boards to ensure their agendas get priority over community needs. It can be hard to see past these interactions and remember all the good we are doing through our work.
Through this time of uncertainty, the Illinois Library Association has provided us with connections and support we may not receive elsewhere. Working on the iREAD committee to develop summer reading programs for libraries throughout the state (and beyond) helped me stay connected when my automatic reaction was to fade into myself. Connecting with librarians across the state at ILA conferences while working at booths for the Youth Services Forum and iREAD Committee kept me grounded when everything else seemed to be in turmoil. Working for a common goal with other library workers to support our community of librarians across Illinois reminds me of the power we have when we work together. iREAD and the ILA Conference are perfect examples of what we can accomplish with our shared insights and cooperation. We may come from different libraries and backgrounds, but we are deeply passionate about serving our community.
As a member of the ILA Executive Board, I would be honored to work for all ILA members to ensure the association remains a foundation for librarians across the state. Our state is vast, and it sometimes feels divided, but ILA bridges us together to accomplish more than we can imagine on our own.
Experience
Glen Carbon Centennial Library District; Glen Carbon, Illinois. 2019-present
Youth Services Director
Tewksbury Public Library; Tewksbury, Massachusetts. 2017-2019
Head of Teen Services
Robbins Library; Arlington, Massachusetts. 2011-2017
Teen Services Librarian
Dover Town Library; Dover, Massachusetts. 2010-2011
Young Adult Library/Circulation Assistant
Education
MLIS, University of Rhode Island, 2009
B.S. English, Clark University, 2007
Professional Memberships and Activities
Illinois Library Association, Member
Youth Services Forum, 2022-current
2023 Awards Committee
iREAD Committee Youth Liaison, 2022-current
iREAD Committee Children’s Team Lead for 2024 and 2025 Resource Guides
SouthWest Advocates for Youth Services, Member
2023-2024 Chair
2022-2023 Vice Chair
2022 Performance Showcase Committee
2021-2022 Secretary
2020-2021 Chair
American Library Association, Member
Young Adult Library Services Association, Member
Association for Library Services to Children, Member
Public Library Association, Member
Received the 2023 Intellectual Freedom Award
iREAD Summer Reading Programs
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