Growing up, my mom took me and my sisters to the public library nearly every week. We’d get recommendations from the librarians and walk home with bags full of books. As we have grown up, this ritual has continued with our neighbors and friends. The Ann Arbor Public Library System is something that has greatly influenced me and my community. They have not only books but also artwork, musical instruments, science tools, games and more to rent. They encourage all types of learning and exploration, we have used their science tools at my sisters birthday party and projections systems for halloween. The library also hosts many events, partnering with local businesses to give lessons on food, music and art. They work on bringing the community together around learning and it has given me, and many of those growing up in my neighborhood a place to explore our interests. The library system and specifically the staff who work to create that environment, have given me the tools to explore my interests and the imagination to do so and I hope that this continues for future generations.

Recently I had the opportunity to work with the Emily Dickinson Museum through one of my UMass classes on their Replenishing The Shelves Project. They are restoring Emily Dickinson’s library by purchasing same edition copies of her books. We worked as a team to prepare object guides that included information on the book and its influence on Dickinson’s life and poetry.  These are to be used to teach tour guides a more in depth knowledge of her library and incorporate the space better on tours. 

For the future I hope to continue pursuing public history as a way to encourage public outreach and participation in cultural and historical institutions. I am currently working at Mount Holyoke archives this year and have worked on social media and research. I would love to combine public history with my studies in French and work on preserving cultural heritage.