RMRT Member Spotlight
This month's member spotlight highlights Judi Moreillon, RMRT Advocacy committee member!
What inspired you to pursue Library Science?
I had been a California 5th-grade classroom teacher who loved to read and discuss literature and conduct research with students. When I moved to Arizona, a principal told be a librarian. A librarian? (My California school did not have one)! I volunteered in a high school library for a semester and promptly enrolled in an MLS Program.
What positions have you held with Libraries?
I served ten years as an elementary school librarian and three years at the secondary level. I also taught school and public librarians at the graduate level for twenty-five years. I retired as an associate professor.
What positions did you hold with ALA before retiring?
I chaired and served on the advisory/editorial boards of Children and Libraries (ALSC) and Knowledge Quest (AASL) magazines. I held many positions in AASL, including chair of the School Librarian's Role in Reading and the Innovative Approaches to Literacy Task Forces. I also served as the chair-elect, chair, and past-chair of the Arizona Library Association (AzLA) Teacher-Librarian Division and on various AzLA and Texas Library Association committees.
How many years did you work before retirement?
I have worked in libraries, library education, and children's book publishing for more than thirty years. I believe I prepared for my library work and teaching my entire life! As the oldest sibling, I "taught" my siblings, I worked for a babysitting agency before I could drive. Caring for and learning with and from young people has always been central in my life. I am currently learning lots from my grandchildren - ages five and seven!
What motivated you to join RMRT?
Some years ago, a close librarian friend who was a member invited me to a RMRT tour at ALA Annual and the next year to a Friday night dinner. I enjoyed meeting the other RMRT members and added the round table to my ALA membership. I realized the RMRT would give me opportunities to continue to contribute to our profession and it has.
What activities or offices have you held with RMRT?
I am serving my third consecutive year as the RMRT liaison to the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF). This role has increased my understanding of the critical role FTRF plays in defending intellectual freedom. In addition to representing RMRT at FTRF board meetings, serving on the FTRF Education Committee has increased my commitment to education related to the freedom to read and advocacy for issues related to intellectual freedom.
What is your favorite part of being in RMRT?
People. Some RMRT members are people whose names or work I had known about while working in the field; others are new to me. The opportunity to meet members in this stage of our lives and carry on the work of the profession is a gift. I continue to enjoy the RMRT dinners and tours at Annual when my conference schedule allows.
What activities are you involved with outside of RMRT?
I am an author and editor of professional books for school librarians. I have also published four children's books. Much of my writing time today is devoted to advocating for the restoration of school librarian positions in my former school district by speaking at governing board meetings and organizing community members' support. I write frequent letters to the editor and op-eds focused on libraries, intellectual freedom, and immigrant rights. (I am also working on a YA creative non-fiction book about one of my sheroes, Mary Harris "Mother" Jones.)
What’s your favorite part of Retirement?
Time! I identify both as a librarian and a writer. Retirement ended my library paycheck but gave me even more time to write and promote my books. Since our daughter and her family moved back to Tucson, my husband and I have more time to be with our grandchildren. We also care for my 95-year-old father. These are blessings we didn't anticipate. We are grateful.
What advice would you give to a new ALA member?
There are so many varied opportunities to continue learning and ways to give back to our profession. Volunteer for committees and meet people by working together with purpose. Shop around until you find one or more perfect fits. Attend the annual conference when you can and further your understanding of the coalition of librarians, libraries, publishers, booksellers, and the vendors who make up our community.
What advice would you give to a new Retiree?
Stay involved in our profession and advocate for library values. Get more involved in your community. and remember to enjoy whatever you choose to do with your "free" time.
