Rosie Camargo, South Holland Public Library
Statement of Concern
I’ve always known my yellow brick road would lead me through the doors of a library. I am the first of my mother’s children to grow up in the United States. Born and raised in Chicago, my family immigrated here from Colombia and knew very little English. Frustrated, and learning herself, my mother turned to my teachers for additional help with my educational needs. One of my teachers empowered her by telling her that there were two ways she could help me learn; Sit me in front of PBS and take me to the library.
Books have helped form me into the person I am. The librarian was my hero, and that was before I found out that Batgirl was a Librarian. She opened the world to me and didn’t judge me if I asked for what some may have thought were unsuitable topics. Instead, she gently guided me to more age-appropriate books that would become my best friends. This is the experience I want everyone to feel when they walk into the library. I want libraries to be a place where no judgement, no assumptions are made. Where everyone is welcome, and our community can find help.
I’ve been working in libraries for eleven years now. That’s not much time. But in these few years, I’ve seen the necessity for our BIPOC staff to be seen and heard. I’ve seen how my patrons have needed to be listened to and advised. Working at libraries of all sizes has shown me how vital it is for BIPOC staff to know they can grow in their library career if they choose.
I didn’t think I could move. I didn’t know that I had a seat at the table. I didn’t know that the glass ceiling was breakable. I had no idea that my hard work could be seen and appreciated and ultimately move me into better seats. I want everyone to know about those resources so they can grow.
This is what I want to represent for everyone in libraries who feels discouraged and unseen. Money will get tight; we may need to find some new resources, but we can move forward together. ILA is a branch of a system that has lasted since the 1700’s. We are an institution that can weather any storm because we stand together across the state.
Serving on the RAILS board, what I enjoyed most from my experience was visiting the libraries across the system. It was comforting to know that in any library I walked into I would be welcomed. I would receive a smile, a friendly hello, and I’d feel safe. Libraries stand tall as a beacon and are the voices and safe place for our patrons and our staff. This is what I believe libraries are capable of, and this is what I plan to uphold as the President of the Illinois Library Association.
Experience
South Holland Public Library, 2022–Present
Storytime Solidarity Team, 2020–Present
Evanston Public Library, 2020–2021
Niles-Maine District Library, 2019–Present
Forest Park Public Library, 2013–2018
Education
Dominican University, 2005–2007
LTA Wilbur Wright College, 2005
AA Wilbur Wright College, 2003–2005
Professional Memberships and Activities
Illinois Library Association, Member, 2018–Present
BIPOC Library Mentorships 2024–Mentor
iREAD Resource Guide, 2018 – “Reading Takes You Everywhere" Wrote article “My Voice, My Story”
American Library Association
Reaching Across Illinois Library System, 2022–2024
Board Member
EDI Committee
REFORMA Mid-West Chapter, 2022–Present
REFORMA Task Force
Executive Board
Communications
Reaching Forward North Conference Committee 2018–Present
Chair 2024
Awarded Youth Services Achievement Award 2016
Booklist Reviewer 2017–Present
iREAD Summer Reading Programs
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