I’ve always loved stories.
In one of my fondest memories, I’m sitting with my mother at a very young age, reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis. She fell asleep, but I was so impatient to find out what happened next that I grabbed the book and read ahead without her. I’m pretty sure that’s the first chapter book I finished on my own.
There is real magic in stories. Starting a new book never fails to bring me joy. I love the satisfaction of a well-crafted narrative – even if it makes me cry! But of course, libraries are about so much more than books on shelves. They are dynamic spaces where people come together, not just to read, but to learn, connect, and share stories of their own.
In my first career, after I finished my Marketing degree in 2015, I worked with several non-profit organizations assisting with social media management, copywriting, content writing, public relations, and many other areas. For a while, I had a freelance business where I helped small organizations or entrepreneurs that didn’t have the in-house expertise or capacity to handle all of their social media, copywriting, or digital marketing needs. I translated all of the hard work and heart people poured into their organizations to help them reach their audiences. In other words: I helped them tell their stories.
Somewhere along the way, I decided to take a different path. I loved helping people communicate what mattered to them, but I felt drawn to work that focused more on access to knowledge, learning, and community connection. At that point, I had already been a volunteer at my local public library for years. Librarianship felt like the right next step.
I recently completed my Master of Library and Information Science at Western University. During my studies, I explored how libraries can support inclusion, access, and lifelong learning. Some of my favourite courses were: Reader Services, Collections Management, Children’s Materials, and Public Libraries.
I care deeply about creating spaces where people feel welcome and empowered to share their own stories. I can’t wait to start this next chapter of my life!
Valerie Chong 