91´«Ã½

The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) has selected Amanda Rose Toledo of Pasadena, California as the 2020 Christopher Hoy/ERT Scholarship recipient.

The scholarship was named for a long-time 91´«Ã½ staff member who directed the 91´«Ã½ Conference Services Office for more than 20 years. This scholarship fund was established with donations from Christopher J. Hoy and the Exhibits Round Table (ERT) to honor his memory. The $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a person pursuing a master's degree in library and information studies.

Toledo works as a library associate for the Altadena Library District (Calif.). She commented that “some of the most gratifying work that she has done thus far includes establishing story-time for children on the autism spectrum, being awarded and managing grant-funded programming for tweens and families, and creating a deposit library at a locally-owned laundromat which provides greater access to underserved parts of the community.” As she advances in her career, Toledo “wants to play a part in innovating the public library.” She believes that “the future of libraries will require inclusion in the truest sense of the word; having not just diverse staff, but encouraging community members to have a hand in building of programming, materials, and services they want and need.”

One reference stated that Toledo “is the finest library paraprofessional that I have had the pleasure to work with in my years of library service. She cares deeply about equity and representation within library spaces and holds herself to incredibly high professional ethical standards.” Toledo commented that when she becomes a librarian, she hopes to “be at the forefront of expanding equity work in public libraries, including creating equitable collection development plans, building community partnerships, and working to make sure the voices of people from traditionally marginalized backgrounds are heard.”

Toledo has already begun to work towards her goals. One reference commented that Toledo is “dedicated to making libraries and librarianship committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and is willing to do the work to make that happen. She is one of the most passionate and focused up-and-coming library workers that I have had the chance to get to know in a long time.” Another reference stated, “Toledo is poised to grow into a librarian of vision, character and action.”

Toledo plans to attend San Jose State University (California).

For information on the 91´«Ã½ Scholarship program, visit our .

The 91´«Ã½ manages the 91´«Ã½ Scholarship Clearinghouse.

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