Name and title
Aryssa Damron, DCLA Chapter Councilor
What does a chapter councilor do? What is ALA council?
I represent the DC Chapter of ALA and their interests to ALA Council, the governing body of ALA. There are councilors from every state chapter, as well as specific divisions and roundtables. Together we decide changes to ALA’s structure and procedures.
How long is your term, and what's your vision for DCLA in terms of ALA Council?
I’ll be serving for two years on ALA Council. I’m hoping to make DCLA feel more connected to “big ALA” as we call it. I’d love for us to be united.
How will you keep the membership informed?
I love using the DCLA List-Serv to share updates, and I’m hoping to have quarterly “get to know ALA” virtual office hours where people can learn more about opportunities within the organization.
What are you reading right now?
I’m reading Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, this year’s pick for Right to Read Night.
What was your first library job?
I was a library associate at the Capitol View Library in Washington, D.C. I worked in both adult and youth services, before becoming a children’s librarian.
What do you love about DCLA?
How excited people get about a new idea or opportunity! We live in a world where a lot of stuff sucks, but librarianship is strong and we are so full of great ideas that we know can make DCLA and librarianship better. I cannot wait to see those come to fruition!
