Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Jonathan Dolce.
1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?
Photo courtesy of Elise VanCise
What I do:
I am the branch supervisor of Astor County Library, in Lake County Library system. I’m proud of the team we have built and feel we are increasing the relevance of the library in our community by offering some truly innovative programming. What is more, this is a rural library, so we are incredibly important for many of Astor’s citizens, especially seniors and children of all ages.
How long have I been doing this:
Well, I started volunteering for libraries when I was in middle school in Maryland, and continued volunteering when I moved to England for my high school library. Then in college, I took a 10-day introduction to librarianship course and loved it. Upon returning to the States, I started volunteering for Volusia County Library system, and was hired by them in 2000. So, professionally, I’ve been doing this for 14 years. I took two years out to be a goat farmer on a mountaintop in Puerto Rico; no, really.
2. Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?
I joined ALSC because, even though I’ve been in management for a few years now, my roots are in youth services. I feel I have a great deal to offer ALSC, its members and for those considering joining. At the same time, ALSC has treated me well, and given me the chance to blog every month. I am a member of the New Members Roundtable.
3. Are you excited about the beginning of the New Year?
Well, excited is not the word: I am anxious about the New Year. Recent events and trends are spurring many of us into action. We have an incredibly large amount of work to do. We didn’t realize how easy we had it, and now it’s time to make a difference and on a bigger scale. All of this sounds vague, so to clarify, I’m talking about diversity, inclusion and empathy building in public libraries via programming, and outreach.
4. Did you make any New Year’s resolutions?
Flatten my abs, cardio…the usual! Restore a bike for my daughter, be there for my family. Watch my youngest grow, and teach my eldest to drive. Be a good husband and father, and an advocate for the community I serve.
5. What’s your favorite movie of all time?
The Princess Bride
6. Vegetarian, Carnivore, or Omnivore?
Vegetarian
7. What would you do if you won the lottery?
Become a millionaire philanthropist. Work more with the non-profit Wine to Water. Pay off my student loan debt. Build at least one public library. Make more art. Ensure my daughters had their education paid for and a secure future.
8. What will children’s librarians be doing 25 years from now?
While I think they will be further embroiled in a deepening, digital world, it is my hope that public library trends will continue to make them advocates for and representatives in the community. We must increase face-to-face interactions, and build empathy with library patrons of all ages.
9. What type of books do you like to read?
Graphic novels for teen and adult, especially independent publishers like Slave Labor graphics. Children’s lit, picture books and chapter books alike. Young adult lit. Teen books written in verse. The only adult books I read are non-fiction, and truly enjoy books that broaden my mind and understanding of differing cultures, and issues like Half the Sky, Wine to Water, An Inconvenient Truth.
10. What is the best compliment you have ever received?
Thanks, Jonathan! What a fun and memorable continuation to our monthly profile feature!
Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to alscblog@gmail.com; we’ll see what we can do!
