Member Spotlight - Aimee Villet

October 13, 2025

This week's ILA member spotlight shines on Aimee Villet. Aimee is the Youth Services Director at the Glen Carbon Centennial Library. 

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

How did you get your start in libraries?

When I was getting my undergraduate degree in English with a focus on Creative Writing, someone asked me how I was going to pay my bills with that degree. I started talking to people and researching careers with a high level of job satisfaction. Librarians consistently reported loving their jobs.

The idea of working in libraries attracted me because I struggled with reading growing up, and only became an avid reader after taking reading classes in high school. I loved the idea of encouraging readers to discover stories that captivate them in formats friendly to their brains. I interviewed several librarians about their careers and learned about the best pathways to becoming a librarian.

While getting my  MLIS, I started working at Barnes and Noble, managing their Children’s and Teen departments. From there, I secured a part-time Young Adult Librarian/Circulation Assistant position, which became full-time within 6 months of starting. Luckily, I wasn’t mistaken, and I LOVE working in libraries!

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

Don’t work over your scheduled hours whenever possible. There can be a lot of pressure to volunteer your time or money to better serve your community. This not only leads to burnout, but it also sets up your successor and coworkers for failure by establishing unrealistic necessary to ensure you have the bandwidth to continue the work.

Any advice to newcomers working in libraries?

Get involved in professional groups and/or interest groups. It is a really fun and fast way to develop as a professional. Find a group that interests you and attend a few meetings. Some groups are very casual, allowing you to observe before formally joining.

Librarians understand that not everyone is outgoing, so don’t be intimidated if you find yourself in a room of seemingly extroverted people. Find a healthy work-life balance by not overworking yourself. “No” is an important word to get comfortable using. By finding a healthy balance, you’ll have the energy and passion to best serve your community. Also, don’t be afraid to make mistakes and try new things. 

When and why did you become a member of ILA?

I was asked to take over a position with iREAD for a colleague and learned that I needed to become an ILA member to assume the role. I fell into becoming an ILA member, but it was definitely for the best!

How has being a member of ILA helped you professionally?

I used to work in Massachusetts, so ILA was critical for my understanding of ILA and state resources, as well as connecting me with amazing librarians from all over the state. I learn so much from the ILA community and feel more comfortable reaching out to ILA staff because I know how friendly they are. Also, more people know who I am and the work I’m doing, so it opens up more opportunities.

What is your proudest professional moment to date?

This question was the most challenging for me to answer because it isn’t one specific moment. It’s seeing and hearing the impact my work has had on youth and families. Whether it’s having a parent express the growth in confidence and improvements in mental well-being they’ve seen in their teenager due to the environment and opportunities I’ve created, or having a child insist on bringing in the stack of books they’ve written and illustrated because they knew I’d appreciate their creation, these moments remind me that each day is an opportunity to change people’s

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

Audiobooks and e-readers for sure! They are the most friendly for my brain.

Favorite authors?

Rainbow Rowell, Jason Reynolds, John Green, Ruta Sepetys, and Sarah J Maas.

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

“I’ll Give You the Sun” by Jandy Nelson, “My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories” Edited by Stephanie Perkins, “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab, and “Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Angeline Boulley.

Cat or Dog?

I love both, but cats hold a special place in my heart!

Favorite film, podcast, or television show? 

“Oh No, Ross and Carrie!” is my favorite podcast. The two hosts explore spirituality and fringe science ideas with levity and kindness while considering their personal growth. I learned so much while laughing and sometimes cringing. They are no longer making content, but there are 13 years of episodes available!

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

Fredrick Douglass, the ultimate self-made man. How did he find it within himself to overcome the impossible?!?! He’s fascinated me for over 20 years. I’d love to have a candid conversation with him about his life.

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 »