Your name, current work place and position (for students, please tell us what school you’re attending and if you have chosen a specialization):
Maria (Pontillas) Shackles, Neighborhood Services Manager, Wheelock Branch
Tacoma Public Library, Tacoma, WA.
Where did you attend school for your MLIS degree?
Simmons University, 2003.
How long have you been an APALA member? Why did you first join? Are you currently involved as an APALA officer/committee member/other volunteer?
I’ve been an APALA member since 2009. I was a 2003 Spectrum Scholar and that connected me with some awesome librarians like Alanna Aiko Moore and Michelle Baildon (both past APALA presidents) and their involvement led me to join APALA. I’ve been on the Mentoring Committee, Scholarship Committee, and participated on several Literature Award Committees. The committee I’ve been most involved with is the Membership Committee. Conference attendance has been challenging for me since I became a mom, but I appreciate being able to participate virtually. I’ve been chair off and on for about 6 years now and I really enjoy being a welcoming presence for our members. As Membership Coordinator I manage the listserv by adding and removing members weekly and answer membership-related questions. I also identify projects to attract new members, promote APALA, and encourage camaraderie and sharing.
We’re very interested in the diversity of ethnic/cultural heritage within APALA. Please share your ethnic/cultural heritage with us and any other background information, as desired.
I identify as mixed race – Irish/French and Filipino. I joined APALA as a way to connect with my Filipino heritage. My father immigrated to the U.S. in the 1970s and while he was very focused on the American dream, he never shared much of his culture. We traveled to the Philippines as a family when I was in college, but I have not been back since. I was hesitant to share my experience growing up half-Asian in my small Midwestern hometown, but over the years I’ve learned to embrace it and acknowledge how it has shaped me.
What aspects of librarianship are key to your personal satisfaction at work? Please share some of your professional goals and interests.
I was a Children’s Librarian for 10 years and even though I’m a Branch Manager now, serving children and families is my passion. I chair the Youth Services Committee in my system and love when I’m able to fill in for storytime.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
What I love most about APALA is that it’s easy to get involved (if you want to) and everyone is so generous and kind. I have been delighted to see APALA grow over the years and I’m so appreciative of this friendly and dedicated group.