Maria Yen
Aspiring School Librarian
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Welcome to my site! Follow me on my journey to become a school librarian. This portfolio contains projects and resources that have inspired me and thoughts on the role of school libraries in the lives of children.
Image Source: personal photo
Image Source: personal photo
ABOUT
I started my journey as a city planner and a professor, and realized I love teaching and working with young people. Volunteer work in libraries convinced me to pursue a Masters of Library Science at Dominican University. I believe literacy is the key to unlocking the brightest future for children. School libraries and librarians are magical places that can launch a child's journey into reading & exploring our world and beyond. I want to be a part of that magic.
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I have a Masters in Urban Planning & a Ph.D. in City Planning. I taught undergraduate & graduate students in California & Iowa. I sit on the foundation board for a Chicago charter school and on my local village library board. I am pursuing a Masters in Library Science at Dominican University. I volunteer at a school library in Chicago.
Philosophy
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Literacy is at the heart of learning
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Consistent use of the school library will increase literacies​
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Better literacy means a better life
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Equitable access to school libraries is a human right
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The library is a safe place for all
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The library is a place to seek comfort & also to be challenged
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The school library is for students, teachers, staff, administration and parents
Image Source: personal Canva creation
Online Library
Resources about School Libraries. Links to books for different age groups.
All images: Wix AI
Literacy
Advocacy
Innovation
JK-2nd Grade Books
3rd-5th Grade Books
Middle School Books
Print Library
Books about Reading and Libraries that Inspire Me.
Images: personal photos
In his 1964 autobiography, Malcom X testifies to the life changing power of books & reading
Bucket-list destinations of stunning libraries around the world
How stories and literature have created the world as we know it
Janice Del Negro's masterpiece taught me how to tell a story to different age groups
A colorfully illustrated title on all things books and bookstores
This quirky character taught me that it's okay to be different & that words can hurt, & also heal
Selected Coursework
Images: personal photos and Wix images