Today we’d like to introduce you to Leila Yoder.
Hi Leila, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m the branch manager of the Ida Hilton Public Library in Darien, Georgia. I’ve worked here at the library for about 11 years, first as a circulation assistant, then as youth services coordinator, and finally as branch manager. I was trained under Ms. Rita Wright, whose legacy still reverberates in the community. I love my job and this library — I especially enjoy helping people find books and information, as well as participating in our programs like storytime, book club, rec talk, and video game and pop culture club. Plus, I get plenty of access to books — even if I don’t have time to read them all!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest obstacle has always been funding. As a public library, we’re reliant on funding from our local government agencies, and sometimes, especially when our expenses go up and our funding doesn’t, times can be lean. This is an ongoing struggle, especially in tough economic times, but we’re grateful to everyone who donates and helps keep us afloat. Last year we had a volunteer-led community yard sale, and we sell used books in the library throughout the year. We created an Amazon wishlist and got some donated toys to give away as summer prizes. Every little bit helps.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a branch manager, I do a little bit of everything — checking people in and out, ordering books, helping people on the computers, scheduling and leading programs, and representing the library at outreach events. I think I’m most known for being the face behind the desk and answering questions as they come. I’m most proud of our annual summer reading program, which always gets incredible attendance and participation. I’m so glad to help our youngest readers celebrate.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
A great thing about ordering books as part of my job is that I get to read for fun and call it professional development. I usually browse Publishers Weekly, American Library Association selection lists, We Need Diverse Books, and Booklist Online. Storytime Solidarity is also a great resource for building children’s programming and early literacy resources. I actually rely heavily on the resources the library makes available to everyone, like the GALILEO research database. While it’s not directly related to my work, I also enjoy listening to podcasts about history and media that indirectly help me become a more informed information professional. Two I would recommend are Throughline and Stuff You Missed in History Class.
Pricing:
- Library cards, borrowing, and digital resources: Free!
- All programs: Free!
- Using computers and wi-fi: Free!
- Printing: $0.25 per page black & white, $0.70 per page color
Contact Info:
- Website: https://trrl.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/idahiltonlibrary
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/idahiltonlibrary
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@idahiltonpubliclibrary
- Other: https://nextdoor.com/pages/ida-hilton-public-library-darien-ga-1
