Katherine Harrison
Library Services Coordinator
El Paso ISD
1. What inspired you to become a librarian?
My sister, a fellow school librarian, inspired me to become a librarian. Even now, my sister and I talk daily about our jobs and the daily ins and outs of being a school librarian.
2. What is an innovative practice at your library/organization (current or former) that you would like to share with others?
I’m excited to share that this year, El Paso ISD is starting a district-wide reading initiative called It Starts with a Book. As readers, we can all remember the book or author that started our reading journey. It all started with a book, and the hope is that students will find that story, book, or author that will start their own reading journey. This initiative focuses on spotlighting books and authors that have a significant connection to El Paso. Whether it is through an author’s or illustrator’s connection to El Paso or through the story itself, at the end of the year, we will host a district-wide literacy festival, inviting the community to celebrate our year of reading.
3. If you could have dinner with three authors (living or dead), who would they be and why?
R.L. Stine – I wasn’t a big reader as a child. It wasn’t until middle school that I checked out my first Fear Street novel. It was the moment all librarians hoped for: a child finally finding the book that is perfect for them. My love of the Fear Street series is probably why I have a deep love of mysteries and thrillers!
Louise Penny – the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series is why I am a devoted audiobook fan. It would be even better if the dinner party took place in the fictional Three Pines!
Zora Neale Hurston – I spent years teaching Their Eyes Were Watching God to freshmen, and I have so many questions for her.
4. What are you reading right now?
I am currently reading Death in the Jungle by Candace Fleming. I have been reading more nonfiction lately, and Candace Fleming is always a good choice when looking for your next nonfiction read.
5. What is your most memorable Texas Library Association Experience?
My most memorable experience would be my very first TLA conference and my very first Texas Bluebonnet Award Luncheon. As a new librarian, being surrounded by librarians from all across the state, celebrating librarianship, books, and authors was incredible.
6. Advice to new librarians?
Build a community with fellow librarians. If you aren’t able to go to TLA, connect with your TLA District and attend the annual District meeting. Texas librarians are generous, kind, and willing to help in whatever way they can.
7. Share your hobbies, hidden talents, or anything people might not know about you.
I have found a renewed love for tennis, a sport I played in high school, and I have found that hitting a tennis ball as hard as you can is a great way to work through all the added stress we have been facing over the last few years.
8. Anything else you would like to share?
My involvement in TLA has opened so many doors for me and has introduced me to so many incredible people. I am truly grateful for my sister and my fellow librarians who inspire me daily.
9. Please finish this sentence. “I am a TLA member because…”
I am a TLA member because this organization has helped me grow in a profession that I love.