Pathfinder Valerie Escobar: Great Attitude Equals Great Results!

Pathfinder is a series of blogs about intrepid library staff who are leading interesting programs that you may not yet know about.

Meet Valerie!

Valerie Escobar is a library clerk. In addition to Valerie's regular clerical duties, Valerie plays an instrumental role by providing program promotion at the library. She also provides a face for the library:

Creator of program flyers and television ads on our internal library network: CB Library TV!
Manager of the Library's Community Area
Leader of informative tours at the branch
Receiver of the Canva Champion Designation for the sheer volume of flyers that Valerie produces

Valerie is one of the most patient and empathetic clerks that I have ever worked with over my library tenure. She is a calm figure and is often called upon to manage difficult situations. I am very fortunate to work with someone of Valerie's caliber!

Valerie's passion for library work comes from her childhood struggle with reading. Her mother, a passionate reader and public library advocate, encouraged Valerie to improve and to confidently "read out loud in class!" Valerie tells me,

"As a child, I was shy and struggled with reading. My mom would take me to the library, and we would participate in programming events. I remember feeling safe and welcomed in the branches we visited. I would shyly look around at the collections, feeling awestruck while looking at the newest "Goosebumps" book covers.

(My mom) would encourage me to keep reading, to keep practicing, and not give up on myself. I vividly remember those feelings when I felt discouraged. It was her encouragement, however, that helped me navigate those early years. Oh, the joy I felt when I was confident enough to read out loud in class!

Libraries play a crucial role in supporting, connecting, and strengthening our communities. They provide vital spaces that foster a sense of belonging, social interaction, and build an engaged community. As an avid reader, a part of who I am stems from those early memories at the library. Those memories shape who I am today and serve as a reminder of why I am passionate about sharing the joys of learning with our communities."

I asked Valerie for some feedback about her work. Following is her response.

Canva Champion!

Valerie was designated a Canva Champion because of her excellent and plentiful flyers for her library:

"While I am certainly no expert, I am always curious and eager to learn more! I consider myself a lifelong learner.

Using the software Canva allows me to create flyers that highlight all the wonderful programs we have at our branch. As a visual learner, I have always been drawn to imaging that captures my attention. Canva allows me to get creative in discovering new ways to bring ideas to life.

Despite not having prior graphic design experience, I have always been drawn to artistic expression. One of my first dream jobs was to be a painter! I like to use images that are thoughtful, colorful, and whimsical. When creating, I ask myself, "Will this visually communicate with our community?" and "Does this flyer need more color?" I am not afraid to take risks with colors!

I take great pride when our patrons walk into our branch and share their positive feedback on our flyers!"

Respected SJ Works Supervisor

During the summer, Valerie supervised an SJ Works employee.

According to the SJ Works website:

"This program provides youth with employment services and critical life skill instruction, this includes leadership development, financial literacy, job counseling, mentoring, job readiness training, and supportive services such as transportation and clothing. Each year San José Works places youth ages 14 to 18 with barriers to employment in a Paid Work Experience Program. Youth ages 16 to 29 are placed into a city-wide Employment and Career Services Program or Direct Employment Opportunities with private employers."

Valerie, due to her patience and her empathy, makes a great supervisor for youth. She tells me,

"Our partnership with SJ Works aligns with my career goals because I strongly believe in empowering and uplifting our youth.

SJ Works is a terrific program that creates meaningful employment opportunities to guide young adults towards college and careers.

Being able to be in this vital role has allowed me to build one-on-one connections, allowing our youth to flourish and get hands-on working experience. This role allows me to create a safe place for them, to show up for them, and help them thrive here at the library. I am a firm believer that building up and strengthening our community first starts with our youth.

My career goal will always aim to be in a position of impact. A position that allows me to be a positive role model and to help others"

The SJ Works employee flourished in the program!

Uplifting Others

Valerie is a genuine positive change agent in the library.

I asked her to explain if she enjoys her role as a mentor and a Champion:

"Yes, I do! I love to encourage and uplift others. To help others gain confidence in themselves and to help them develop new skills.

I believe in creating safe places where we can be authentic, share ideas, and empower one another. Safe places where we can collaborate, learn from one another, get creative, and step out of our comfort zones.

Lifelong learning never stops! I may not have all the answers to everything, but we can learn together!

If you have any questions or comments, please let me know in the Comments section below.