#CPLStaffSpotlight | Chapter 1
Meet Sharon Wyatt Odem, Librarian in Adult Services at Woodson Regional Library!
How long have you been working at CPL, and did you grow up in Chicago?
I have been employed at the Chicago Public Library since 2016 and have held various positions throughout the system. I grew up in the Pill Hill neighborhood on Chicago's South Side, where my family was part of St. Ailbe Parish. This community has had a significant impact on my personal and professional identity.
What did you study in college, and how did it shape your path to becoming a librarian?
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Marketing Communications from Columbia College in Chicago. Later, I pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM) with a concentration in Corporate Training from Keller Graduate School of Management. I continued my education by obtaining a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from Rutgers University and a Consumer Health Information Specialization from the Medical Library Association. Reflecting on my educational journey, I gained valuable lessons and experiences that shaped my understanding of marketing and information science. As an advocate for lifelong learning, I appreciate the significance of education in fostering personal and professional growth.
While teaching sixth graders many years ago, my principal encouraged me to establish one of the area's first library media centers after attending the University of Chicago's Web Institute for Teachers. Seeing the students engage with technology and develop a love for reading was incredible. The transformation of the space into a media center was exciting. We reconfigured the traditional library layout, creating cozy reading nooks with comfortable seating and ample lighting. We introduced computers and provided students access to digital resources and online databases. The media center became a hub of learning and excitement, fostering community among students and teachers alike. The transformation changed the space and had a lasting impact on the students’ love for learning, books, and technology.
What is your favorite thing about working at Woodson Regional Library?
Working with talented and creative individuals in the Adult Services Department at Woodson Regional is an incredibly enriching experience. Our department fosters a supportive environment where my ideas can thrive, enabling us to create meaningful experiences for adult patrons. One of my most memorable experiences has been helping patrons create resumes and find job training or educational resources. Hearing their gratitude after they secure a job or further their education, thanks to the support we provide, creates lasting memories.
As a librarian at Woodson, I engage in various activities daily. These include assisting patrons with research, providing access to resources, conducting workshops, and organizing events that cater to our community's needs and interests. Every day presents new opportunities that impact the lives of those we serve.
How do you see the Woodson Regional Library impacting the community?
Woodson is the city’s first dementia-friendly library. Its mission is to equip staff to engage with individuals living with dementia, organize symposiums for them and their caregivers, and provide books and related resources. I am excited to execute Woodson's initiatives to establish this service. Woodson Regional Library is a cornerstone of educational and cultural development. It will forever serve as a hub for learning and exploration, offering resources for entrepreneurs, job seekers, students, and families.
What are some of your favorite hobbies or interests?
Reading and my passion for various music artists and genres, including John Coltrane, the Motown and Philly sound, Frankie Knuckles, the Roots, and Bob Marley. I enjoy traveling and exploring different cuisines, and I am particularly fond of chai tea lattes.
What are you currently reading?
I'm reading Charmaine Wilkerson's Good Dirt: A Novel, opens a new window. I'm a big fan of historical fiction, and I loved her previous novel, Black Cake. Wilkerson excels at character development, which I find compelling. This book resonates with me due to its themes and well-crafted characters.
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