ABOUT
Libraries in Bloom’s (LIB) mission is to cultivate a diverse library workforce by providing professional pathways for young adults of color and elevate innovative and equitable library practices that more fully serve communities. Follow along and explore the many ways in which libraries bloom, impacting the environment around them.
Meet the Creators:
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Pa Ja is a Hmong American woman born in northern Thailand and raised in Appleton, WI. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay in Public Administration and Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She is a 2018-2019 Spectrum Scholar through the American Library Association. Pa Ja’s librarianship has mainly been centered on outreach, community engagement, and program development. Currently, she is a Senior Librarian with the Community Engagement Team at Hennepin County Library in Minnesota. Pa Ja describes herself as curious, community-oriented, and adventurous. You will find her traveling and exploring libraries and other new places in her free time.
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Andy grew up in Neenah, WI and developed a love for literature and the library at a young age. He earned his undergraduate degree in English from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. After his studies, he lived in Tianjin, China teaching high school students English and preparing them for their SATs. Naturally a people-person, he has worked in customer service for over ten years, and more recently, fostered community relationships and wrote several articles around food & dink with Fox Cities Magazine. Currently, he is the Director of Sales for two hotels in Plymouth, MN. You will find him reading, gardening, and playing music in his free time.
CONNECT WITH US
If you are a library professional of color and lead an innovative library project, please consider sharing your story with us. We would love to feature you! You may also nominate someone by sharing their email with us.
Thank you.