Denise Lyons: ALSC Fiscal Officer Candidate, 2022-23 Election

I was nine years old and visiting my aunt, who at the time was the Oregon Youth Services Consultant. We traveled throughout the state doing puppet shows, weeding (yes I did “rescue” a couple of books), and training for public library staff. Twenty-four years later, I enrolled in library school all set for youth services, where that same Aunt was now a Professor. In between, I had a fruitful career in fundraising, special events, and consulting for nonprofit organizations in Chicago. I wanted to take that experience and bring it to libraries, working with the people and literature that I loved so much. Nearly 20 years later, I have worked in youth services and as a youth services state consultant but also served as branch manager, department head, and state Deputy Director. This background of solid administrative, management, and fiscal skills is what I bring to support a strong, sustainable, and successful future for ALSC. I just moved to a new state, settling in near family, and teaching adjunct for the MLIS program at UNCG as well as consulting work. I am excited to begin this opportunity to give back to the ALSC organization and all the libraries that benefit from the work of ALSC and its members.