Member Spotlight - Amber Hayes

Marketing Forum (MF)

April 28, 2025

This week's ILA member spotlight shines on Amber Hayes. Hayes is the communications coordinator at the Skokie Public Library, and is a member of the ILA Marketing Forum. 

We asked Amber to answer a few professional and amusing questions. Continue reading to find out more about Amber.

A little background on Amber

My name is Amber Hayes (she/her) and I am the Communications Coordinator at Skokie Public Library. I also serve as a Board Member for the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature and review Young Adult titles for Booklist. 

How did you get your start in libraries?

I started my library journey in 2018 by working at the American Library Association (ALA). Before starting that job, I knew that I wanted to work with libraries in some capacity, but I didn't know how. Working at ALA gave me the opportunity to connect with so many brilliant library workers across the United States, and I knew that I would eventually find my way into libraries, and I'm glad I did! I've been the Communications Coordinator at Skokie Public Library since 2021. 

Best advice you've received since starting your career in libraries?

As an introvert, the thought of networking can sometimes cause dread, but I got some really good advice: give yourself goals. Maybe introduce yourself to one person, ask one question, stay at the mixer for one hour. Usually by the time I've met my goal, I don't want to leave, and I've gotten to know some really cool people in the field. 

Any advice to newcomers working in libraries? 

Get to know your community and the people you're serving! I'm not in a role that's often patron-facing, so I enjoy talking to people when I'm on the book bike, at a large community event, or just by walking around the area and visiting local businesses. 

When and why did you become a member of ILA?

I became a member of ILA right after I began working at Skokie Public Library. It was important for me to get to know library workers in my area and understand challenges that Illinois libraries are facing. 

How has being a member of ILA helped you professionally? 

I attended events hosted by the ILA Marketing Forum and enjoyed getting to connect with other library workers doing similar work. Earlier this year, I joined the ILA Marketing Forum and it's been a great group to bounce ideas off of! Library marketing is such a unique space in librarianship, so I'm happy to have found my people! 

What is your proudest professional achievement to date?

While it was a group effort, I'm especially proud to have helped the library launch a podcast called "Your Family, Your Library." It was a big project from ideation to fruition and I loved every single step of it. I feel even prouder knowing that it's something that renonates with our community.

Hardcover, paperback, e-reader, audiobook, or all?

I'm a big multitasker, so audiobooks all the way!
Favorite authors?
How many is too many? I love Emily Henry, R.F. Kuang, Tifany D. Jackson, just to name a few!

If you were stuck on a deserted island, what five books would you want with you to pass the time until being rescued?

We'll pretend that I'm someone who re-reads books in this scenario: 
  • A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas
  • Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
  • A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay
  • People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
  • Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Cat or Dog?

When I was five or six years old, I decided that I was a cat person and I haven't strayed! I have two cats named Stitch and Cinnamon who are...a handful. 

Favorite film, podcast, or television show? 

I just saw Wicked (Part I) so I feel like that's all I'll be able to talk about for months. 

One person you would like to meet, dead or alive why?

I've technically already met this person*, but I didn't get to speak with him: Clint Dempsey, former USMNT soccer player. He's the reason I'm the avid soccer fan I am today, and I love hearing him speak about how he fought for his career every step of the way. *Fun fact, my husband and I took a photo with him for our baby announcement. 

iREAD Summer Reading Programs

Since 1981, iREAD provides high quality, low-cost resources and products that enable local library staff to motivate children, young adults, and adults to read.

Visit the iREAD website »