Q &A: Library's new assistant director shares her plans

There's that uneasy moment that most soon-to-be-college graduates experience before entering the real world. Ten years ago, Dawn LaValle, the Fairfield Public Library's new assistant director, was at a loss of what to do with her master's degrees in political science and secondary education.

She went to her advisor and asked for help. The advisor asked what it is that LaValle enjoys most.

"I like books, I like research and I like working with the public," she said.

At that moment, the possibility of becoming a librarian became real, and she never looked back. Her path to the Fairfield Library was an unconventional one.

After high school, Lavalle served five years in the U.S. Marines, and an additional four in the reserves. Her service took her to South Carolina, Florida and Japan before she enrolled in college. She interned at the United Nations, organizing African documents from the 1960s.

For the past seven years, she worked in New York at the White Plains Library as an adult reference librarian and supervisor of periodicals.

LaValle, a Brookfield resident, started on July 19. Town Librarian Karen Roland is excited about the hire.

"I know Dawn will bring tremendous dedication, discipline and creativity to our library and in turn, to our community," Roland said in a press release.

Although LaValle has been busy diving in to a new workplace and a fresh set of challenges, she answered a few questions for the Fairfield Citizen. Here's what she had to say:

What's your favorite book?

Favorite book -- Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. I read this in high school and really identified with the character as I would venture to guess that many teenagers filled with angst did. Salinger captured the essence of teenage confusion, alienation and rebellion in his character Holden Caulfield. Although I did not consider myself rebellious, I admired Holden's cynicism and his attempt to prove himself more mature than most adults, yet revealing that he was still vulnerable. As an adult the book still holds meaning for me.

Who would you consider the most influential American author within the last 50 years?

For me the most influential author within the past 50 years is John Updike. Updike is considered the foremost chronicler of everyday suburban life, a witness to America. There was not one topic he was reluctant to address whether it be marriage, middle age the elderly or the youth of America. He tackled each subject with remarkable insight. As far his staying power in literature, the Rabbit tetralogy will remain influential and relevant for a considerable time.

What is it about the Fairfield Public Library that sets it apart from other institutions, and what do you think it will be like in 10 years?

The Fairfield Public Library is a dynamic library led by a proven director, Karen Ronald, who has a clear vision as to where the Library will be in 10 years. The library will be a community hub -- a center for lifelong learning providing access to information with the latest technologies; diverse programming for all age groups and substantive community outreach. Many people predict that the brick and mortar version of the Library is obsolete. The Fairfield library will prove this prediction false as the community will embrace the library's services both physically and virtually. I look forward to working with Karen [Roland, town librarian] and a truly exceptional staff to move the library forward as a centerpiece of the community.

In what ways does your background as a U.S. Marine help in your new position?

My background as a Marine has given me a unique skill set. In the past Inc. magazine has profiled the Marine Corps as one of the top management training organizations in the world. I have benefited from my active duty service in that I have developed strong leadership and management skills as well as the ability to adapt to a variety of situations in order to get the job done. A sense of honor, duty and public service has readily translated to my career as a librarian

One of your goals is to establish an outreach program for people seeking to learn English as a second language. What do you hope to accomplish with this program?

I developed and administered a successful literacy program at the White Plains Public Library. I applied for and was awarded a grant for interactive learning laptops, life skills workshops and conversation groups. The program provided an alternative resource for non English speaking individuals to improve their English skills for self improvement and so that they may contribute to the community. I hope to work with other community organizations to develop a program to meet the needs of this population within the Fairfield community.