I’ve worked for the Pima County Public Library for almost 15 years and that time has passed in the blink of an eye. This anniversary is weighty and special, and I can see how much I’ve invested in my career. It hasn’t always been easy. Working within ones’ community is fulfilling but can also take a personal toll. The past three years have been difficult for me, many of our staff, and our community. We’re all still trying to figure out how to do this work going forward. It’s a constant work in progress.
I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve been provided and to have found a career that is personally fulfilling and enjoyable. It’s been a long road. In 2008, I returned to the desert southwest after two years in Indiana, working as an academic librarian. I missed home, the sun, the desert, the people, my community.
I’ve worked in various roles at Sam Lena-South Tucson, Martha Cooper, Richard Elías-Mission, Southwest, and Quincie Douglas libraries. In each role and different location, I’ve learned so much and have grown as a person and librarian.
Marissa Alcorta
I didn’t do it alone. Being a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) staff member in any organization can be difficult. I’ve been fortunate to have worked with colleagues that have invested in me and mentored me. These colleagues have gone through similar struggles and chose to give me their time, energy and knowledge to help traverse a sometimes hard path.
The library is blessed to have staff who care about serving the community. Examples of this are our affinity teams. I’m proud to serve on the Nuestras Raíces Team, which focuses on serving our Spanish-speaking and Latine communities and is integral to highlighting Latine authors at our Tucson Festival of Books tent. In addition, we highlight and promote the library’s Spanish-language collection. This team is vital to the important work we do in historically ignored and marginalized communities.
Nuestras Raíces has been a home to me. This welcoming and culturally inclusive space helped me grow, dream and reach for more. I’ve been mentored and mentored others. I wouldn’t be where I am in my career without the support from this wonderful team.
My new position as deputy director of public services and customer experience has been a major shift with a lot of growth and learning. This leadership role puts me in a privileged and unique position to make major decisions that will affect staff and our community. I am also one of the first BIPOC women in this leadership role.
I do not take this new role lightly. I want to further create inclusive systems of support for our staff that do so much for customers and community members. If they are not given what they need to thrive, they cannot continue providing resources and services that people enjoy, need and deserve. I’m excited for the possibilities the future holds for all of us. I am still some years out from retiring, but I hope when I do, I can look back and say I made a positive impact.
One last thing, if you haven’t been to one of our libraries recently, please come on by. Our staff will warmly welcome you and ask how they can help. We have books, music, magazines, computers, incredible programs and comfy chairs to sit in. We will help you find any resources you may need. Find a location near you at library.pima.gov.
We have a place for you at our libraries. Please visit when you can, and bring your family and friends when you do.
