Meet Cristina Ramirez

It's an exciting time for the Broad Rock Branch Library. The library is under renovation and is expected to reopen in July with a fresh new look and improved technology access. A new farmer's market, La Plaza Latino Market, has opened up right next door. Plus a new Community Services Manager, Cristina Ramirez, has recently been hired to run the Broad Rock Branch. We're so excited to have her working with us! To help welcome Cristina and to get to know her a little better, I've asked her to answer a few questions so that we can feature her on the blog. Thanks for playing along, Cristina, and welcome aboard!

Broad Rock Community Services
Manager, Cristina Ramirez

D: Can you share some of your professional interests?

C: Staff professional development, lifelong learning, and recruitment and retention of underrepresented staff and students to the library profession. Other interests include understanding the informational needs of various groups in the community and how best to serve all members of the community.

D: And maybe some personal interests too?

C: Cooking dishes from various world cuisines, traveling and visiting family, watching foreign language films, reading (of course!), and exploring Richmond. There is so much to see here, from trying a new restaurant to attending a lecture at a museum. I also really enjoy taking photographs of the City's statues and sculptures and neighborhoods.

 

D: What do you like most about living and working in Richmond?

C: Richmond has a rich and deep history with many exciting subcultures. I love the arts and music community here and the amazing diversity in cuisine, cultural festivals, and activities. You cannot get bored here. From Riverrock and the Ukrops 10K and the Richmond Folk Festival to the Latin Ballet, French Film Festival, First Friday's Art Walk and museums, every week you can explore something new. The changes in the community, both in demographics and in interests keep the City fresh and reinvigorated. 



The Broad Rock Branch is under renovation.



D: What are your favorite kinds of books? What is your favorite "classic"?

C: My favorite kinds of books are nonfiction, namely titles related to education, librarianship, travel, linguistics, and art. I also enjoy science fiction and scary stories. As for a favorite classic, I always think of Don Quixote. 

Broad Rock Branch progress
in March 2012.



D: What for you is the most exciting aspect of managing the Broad Rock Branch?

 C: The changes in the nearby community offer me the opportunity to reach out to an emergent Latino/Hispanic population that is very young and rapidly growing. I have a wonderful opportunity to show them what the City has to offer, to help them reach their educational goals and to serve as a liaison with a number of nonprofits, community groups, and organizations.