Lobby Stops: Increasing Information Accessibility for Seniors
"You get to know people on a more intimate level when you help them find information."
- Elkid Alvarez
Meet Elkid Alvarez, the first Community Engagement Specialist at the Kenosha Public Library, WI. After studying to be a high school teacher and years of working in corporate, Elkid discovered a career in libraries, embodying the things she loves including education, literacy, and community. Elkid uses her bilingualism to outreach to, communicate with, and introduce library resources to diverse community members. Furthermore, she leads a service, Lobby Stops, that makes literacy and information more accessible for seniors.
We learn more more about Lobby Stops in this episode:
1:05 - Elkid’s background and journey into librarianship
4:04 - Elkid’s Community Engagement Specialist library role
7:28 - Introduction to the service, Lobby Stops
10:30 - Lobby Stops Returns
13:00 - Lobby Stops Materials
17:30 - History and implementation of Lobby Stops
20:20 - Lobby Stops challenges
22:28 - Lobby Stops impact stories
27:55 - Lobby Stops logistics including the number of touches, stops, team members, etc.
31:22 - Elkid’s advice, learning lessons, after years of organizing various Lobby Stops
35:35 - Elkid’s perspective of the library
Come listen to Elkid share more about the service along with her love of listening to others’ stories and helping them find information that allows them to better connect with their loved ones. If you have any follow up questions, you may contact Elkid Alvarez directly at ealvarez@mykpl.info.