Meet Maria Mayo of Anythink Libraries in Thornton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Mayo.

Maria, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The day after graduating from Furman University in South Carolina, I jumped in a car with all my earthly possessions (they were few) and drove to Estes Park, Colorado, to work for the summer as an intern park ranger, guiding hikes and teaching visitors about the flora, fauna and general magic that is Rocky Mountain National Park. During that summer, I discovered an aptitude for connecting people with information, and perhaps more importantly, for connecting people with other people. The summer soon ended and, unwilling to move back to the Southeast, I moved myself and my one carload to Denver, deciding to pursue a Master of Library and Information Science degree. I remember calling a research librarian who I’d admired in school at Furman to get some insight. When I told him I was considering becoming a librarian, he laughed, and said, “I knew it!”

Nearly all through school, I worked part-time at Anythink Libraries (Adams County’s public library system), in a primary customer (patron) service role. I thought I’d end up in academic libraries, but it only took a few months for my resolve towards academia to dwindle as I fell in love with the work of public librarianship. It was hard work, often emotionally draining and far busier than you might imagine. But never in my life had I felt more rewarded for my efforts. I was on the front lines for this new community of faces I came to recognize, and then to love. Each person who comes in the doors is in need of something totally unique to their experience, so each day was completely unlike the last. I learned that a public library is not what it once was and that Anythink Libraries, in particular, are dedicated to being relevant to the community’s 21st-century needs and interests.

About three years ago, as I was finishing up my Master’s, an opportunity opened up at my branch – Anythink Wright Farms – for an Adult Guide, which is the equivalent to an Adult Services Librarian. I will never forget the day I was offered the position, and to this day I frequently boast that “I have the best job in the world.”

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I struggle with misguided and outdated perceptions of public libraries. While not all libraries are created equal, and many still hold firm to traditional library services, most public libraries are happening places – meaning things really happen! Transformations occur every day inside our space. Kids get to eat bugs in an edible insect program or learn to grow vegetables in our community garden. Teens mix beats for the first time in our recording booth, or attend a program on how to get the first job out of high school. Adults teach one another Spanish and English, learn Photoshop, or hear from local experts on how to grow their new business. We are doing such cool things, and I always struggle to answer when someone asks, “What do you do?” — What don’t we do?

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Anythink Libraries – what should we know?
Anythink is widely known for innovation in the world of public libraries. Everything from the spaces themselves (complete with cafés, fireplaces, and lots of natural light) to the strategy for hiring (one must be able to connect authentically and with enthusiasm to the people we serve) is not what comes to mind when most of us think of the libraries of the past. We are reinventing roles and raising our community’s standards in terms of what they expect from their local library.

In the role of Adult Guide at our flagship branch, I wear many hats, but my primary role is in designing and facilitating free programs and events for adults in my community. I offer everything from the small-scale – such as an expert-led series on philosophy for the non-philosopher – to the large scale – such as a panel discussion featuring professionals from the cannabis industry. At their most successful, these programs enrich lives through curiosity and life-long learning, and they connect people to their neighbors in meaningful ways.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Creativity; I have to think outside the box to keep programs and events relevant, but also of interest to people in my community. I also like to put a personal, somewhat quirky spin on the structure of my programs so they feel authentic to participants.

Contact Info:

• Address: Anythink Wright Farms
  5877 E. 120th Ave,
  Thornton, CO 80602
• Website: anythinklibraries.org
• Phone: 3034053249
• Email: mmayo@anythinklibraries.org

Image Credit:
Erica Grossman, Jakob Seelig

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