By Annica Wu

Staff Writer

   Merely five years ago, Eileen Chi was in a classroom teaching Freshman Seminar, now known as the College prep and Transition course, and US History. Now, she is Gabrielino High School’s librarian, following the retirement of the previous librarian, who encouraged her to go back to school to get her Library Services Credential. 

   This year marks her Chi’s 15th year at Gabrielino High school.

“The reason why I was interested in [becoming a librarian], initially, [was] because I saw how [the former librarian] spent her time helping students with research and I really feel that is a valuable skill for students to have”, reflects Chi,“I still feel like I’m teaching, just a little bit different.”     

    In addition to being Gabreilino’s librarian, Chi is also the district librarian. She visits other schools a few times a year to help them plan out the logistics of the libraries at the middle and elementary schools in San Gabriel.

   Chi feels that being in the library suits her more because she enjoys working with a diverse group of students instead of just a certain grade level. 

   The transition period that require Chi to return to school was a “so crazy.” She said, “I remember coming home… and fall[ing] asleep in my driveway because I was so tired.”  

  Chi is thankful for the administration who let her work part time at the time, Ms. Li, and the Library aids who helped her transition back to working full time and becoming a mother. 

      At home, Chi is a wife and mother to a rambunctious 2-year old. 

   “I have a 2 year old… he keeps me pretty busy,” said Chi. “We tried to take him to the library.. [He’s always] running around and not quiet, so I think I might wait a little bit to take him”.

   Last February, Chi went to a seminar for librarians which inspired her to create fun challenges for the library. Although she had always wanted more interactive activities in the library, she was only able to do it this year because she has more time. 

  “I’ve always wanted to promote the enjoyment of reading,” comments Chi. “I want to make it a point every month to do some type of library challenge or trivia, just something to get more people interested in just materials in the library and what we have in the library”   

   Chi’s life philosophy is that everyone should do their best to help others and work hard even if they may not come up on top and welcomes everyone to the library. 

   “Really we are here to help students and faculty…and so if students ever have questions, they can come by, we really want to help students.”