I am a native of Puerto Rico and obtained my bachelor’s degree in social sciences with a major in Labor Relations from the University of Puerto Rico. Additionally, I pursued a master’s degree in library sciences from the same university. 

My library field experience expands beyond Puerto Rico, as I have worked in various locations such as New York and Florida. One of the notable organizations I have worked with is the Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS). Throughout my journey in the library field, I have held different roles, starting from a volunteer and gradually progressing to a librarian and beyond. 

My dedication and perseverance in my work have been acknowledged and admired by my colleagues and the communities I have served. I take pride in making library services more diverse, equitable, and inclusive for everyone. My primary focus has been providing bilingual services to diverse and underserved populations, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds can access information and resources.

What experiences in your life led to work at Hillsboro Public Library (HPL)?

A series of impactful experiences have shaped my journey to working at HPL. One crucial factor that drew me to HPL was my deep commitment to making library services more diverse, equitable, and inclusive for everyone. Throughout my career, I have focused on providing bilingual assistance to diverse and underserved populations.

Language should never be a barrier to accessing information and resources. This belief stems from my firsthand experience in one of my previous positions in Rochester, New York. The community I served was incredibly diverse, and many individuals faced challenges in accessing information due to language barriers. It became clear to me that providing bilingual services was essential to bridge this gap and empower individuals to access the valuable resources available at the library.

Through bilingual services, we connected with individuals who had previously been unable to engage with the library fully. This experience exposed me to the significant social service needs within the community. Recognizing the importance of addressing these needs, I worked tirelessly to connect library patrons with vital social services. By doing so, I aimed to make a positive impact on their lives beyond the walls of the library.

Witnessing the impact of my work further fueled my dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity within library services. It became evident that by providing accessible and inclusive services, we could empower individuals to overcome barriers and improve their lives.

Joining HPL allowed me to continue this vital work on a larger scale — the organization's commitment to diversity and inclusivity aligned perfectly with my values and goals. I am excited to contribute my skills and experiences to HPL's mission and to work alongside a team that shares my passion for serving diverse and underserved communities.

What about the Shute Park Library manager position intrigued you when you applied? 

When I applied for the Shute Park Library manager position, several aspects intrigued me about the role. Firstly, the library serves a diverse community, which is particularly significant as I reside in Hillsboro. The opportunity to be part of an institution that caters to a wide range of individuals from different backgrounds and cultures deeply resonates with me. Libraries play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity and providing all community members equal access to information and resources.

Additionally, the chance to lead the excellent staff at Shute Park Library was another aspect that attracted me to the position. I firmly believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration, and the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated and passionate team of individuals is incredibly inspiring. I am eager to contribute my leadership skills and experience to create a positive and supportive work environment where staff members can thrive and continue to provide exceptional service to the community.

Shute Park Library is a special place. What goals are you focusing on first?

At Shute Park Library, my primary goals are centered around getting to know the staff, understanding their needs, connecting with the community, and understanding their needs. Additionally, I focus on evaluating library operations and identifying any gaps to address. This involves building bridges to fill these gaps and developing effective programs and services accordingly. By prioritizing these areas, I can ensure that Shute Park Library remains a vital hub that meets its staff's and community's diverse needs.  

You’ve had a lot of experience working in libraries. What are the most memorable questions a patron asked you?

Two of my favorite stories are: 

“Can you help me find a book that will explain why my computer hates me?” While computers don't have emotions, we can learn and troubleshoot them with plenty of books. It will be my pleasure to assist you in finding the right one, or we can always help you with the computer. 

“I want a book that I can read.” Certainly! The library is filled with a wide range of books that you can read. Whether you're interested in fiction, non-fiction, biographies, self-help, or any other genre, there is a book for everyone's taste. It would be my pleasure to assist you in finding a book you will enjoy. 

Feel-good Stories

Read more about the kind of person Magdy is in nine feel-good stories she wrote about serving library patrons during her career.