Why get involved in Bibliotecas Para La Gente in the first place? Being an active member of the local REFORMA Chapter has improved my professional and leadership skills in ways that the workplace can’t. Mentorship is embedded in the way this non-profit exclusively run by volunteers functions. In addition, sharing the REFORMA mission, to promote and provide services to the Latino and Spanish-speaking, allows me access to a mighty support network of human beings who understand why REFORMA exists and why the work is important.
My journey with REFORMA and BPLG started when I changed careers in my mid-30s and started working at San Mateo County Libraries as a Community Program Specialist. Latinx librarians mentored, guided, and introduced me to BPLG and REFORMA members at my first ALA conference in 2015. I became a member but didn’t do more than that for some time. Regardless, active and non-active BPLG members supported me as I gained more experience in the field of libraries, explored the possibility of getting my MLIS–and got it, changed jobs, and became a Librarian. While in Grad school and working full-time I started attending BPLG membership meetings when I could, and noticed the positive influence in my career by being actively involved. The time together with members, past and present, made a difference for me and helped me stay focused and energized.
Joanna M. Arteaga La Spina
Bibliotecas Para La Gente President, 2024-2025
Calls and presides over the Executive Board and all general membership meetings of the Chapter, serves as the Chapter’s official representative and provides leadership for
all its activities.
Notifies all members of upcoming meetings by email at least 1-2 weeks ahead.
Compiles and distributes the Agenda, Minutes of previous meetings and Treasurer’s Report for the Chapter Meeting to all members.
Represents and speaks on behalf of the organization in its relationship with any other organizations or agencies as appropriate.
Keeps track of and facilitates the work of all BPLG committees.
As a member of the REFORMA Executive Board with one vote, represents the Chapter at REFORMA business meetings and activities at national Library conferences
Prepares mid-year and annual reports of Chapter accomplishments and activities to be presented at REFORMA Executive Board meetings in January and at the annual ALA
conference.
Coordinates conference responsibilities.
Chairs the Membership and Nominations Committees.
Assists the President with the duties listed under that office.
Becomes President after serving one year as Vice President.
Assumes the duties of the President in the President’s absence or incapacity.
Is responsible for taking minutes at the chapter’s bi-monthly meetings.
Sends out minutes to membership following the chapter’s bimonthly meetings.
Coordinates, together with Treasurer, membership renewal campaign in the fall.
Manages and is responsible for all the fiscal, financial, and budgetary affairs of BPLG.
Prepares and distributes a Treasurer’s Report at every BPLG meeting.
Receives donations for Chapter scholarship and fundraising.
Receives payment from REFORMA for Chapter dues collected as stipulated by REFORMA procedures.
Makes payment to REFORMA of any member donations to REFORMA scholarship fund as stipulated by REFORMA procedures.
Files annual paperwork related to taxes and non-profit status.
Offers assistance to the current President and officers.
Serves as a consultant to the chapter and active member of the Executive Board.
Is responsible for updates to the BPLG website, both English and Spanish versions.
Collaborates with the Web Committee.
Presents proposals for changes to the website to the membership and reports updates to Executive Board and membership meetings.
Chairs the Social Media Committee which includes public information and marketing.
President - Adrian Barrientos
Vice President - Joanna M. Arteaga La Spina
Past President - Andy Paul
Secretary - Adriana Lugo
Treasurer - Patricia (Pat) Toney
Webmaster - Joanna M. Arteaga La Spina
President - Andy Paul
Vice President - Adrian Barrientos
Past President - Andy Paul
Secretary - Hector Garcia
Treasurer - Patricia (Pat) Toney
Webmaster - Joanna M. Arteaga La Spina
President - Andy Paul
Vice President - Adrian Barrientos
Past President - Adriana Lugo
Secretary - Susan Nilson
Treasurer - Patricia (Pat) Toney
Webmaster - Joanna M. Arteaga La Spina
President - Adriana Lugo
Vice President - Andy Paul
Past President - Jennifer Maria Weisberg
Secretary - Esmeralda Casas
Treasurer - Patricia (Pat) Toney
President - Jennifer Maria Weisberg
Vice President - Adriana Lugo
Past President - Esmeralda Casas
Secretary - Andy Paul
Treasurer - Patricia (Pat) Toney
Webmaster - Elizabeth Munoz Rosas / Nancy Macias
President - Esmeralda Casas
Vice President - Jennifer Maria Weisberg
Past President - Francisco Vargas
Secretary - Adriana Lugo
Treasurer - Patricia (Pat) Toney
Webmaster - Dolly Goyal
President - Francisco Vargas
Vice President - Esmeralda Casas
Past President - Armando Rivera
Secretary - Jennifer Weisberg
Treasurer - Patricia (Pat) Toney
President - Armando Rivera
Vice President - Francisco Vargas
Past President - Janice Garcia
Secretary - Esmeralda Casas
Treasurer - Patricia (Pat) Toney
Webmaster - Heather Ott