Location
Drayton Valley, AB
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Are you a
Librarian
Name of Your Library (if applicable):
Drayton Valley Library
About Me:
Darlene was a silent rebel in her early years. Growing up in a home with few books, Darlene used to get in trouble from her parents for reading! The public library was her sanctuary – a place filled with books and stories. Darlene wrote her first newspaper column and won a poetry contest when she was in Hight School. Darlene is a “word nerd.” She love libraries, books and reading. She loves children’s literature. She is passionate about getting kids (especially boys) interested in reading. Her personal mission statement is: To INSPIRE youth to READ for pleasure! Darlene encourages kids and youth to develop a passion for reading for enjoyment. She strives to promote literacy and self-directed reading. She believes libraries can provide a creative, engaging space where everyone can find sparks of inspiration, search for information, and let their imagination soar. Darlene has worked with youth for over 15 years in school libraries, and she now works in a Public Library. She is married and has 3 children ages 14, 21, and 25. Darlene is passionate about literacy and community: she believes reading builds empathy, understanding, and a community mindset. In the past, she has run book clubs and library clubs in schools. Now, she runs youth book clubs at the public library. Darlene loves Harry Potter and ANY books that get kids excited about reading. Currently, one of her favourite authors for youth is Shannon Messenger. She has engaged many children with the Keeper of the Lost Cities series by this author! In 2019, she took on a new challenge – planning and running an escape room. She ran 2 very successful Harry Potter Escape Rooms: they were fully booked with waiting lists! Darlene has ideas for an escape room based on the Mr. Lemoncello’s Library series, a CSI (forensics science) themed escape room, and more! Darlene has been responsible for coordinating various literacy events including Word-a-Palooza, A Day of Authors, A Day of Writing; Family Literacy Night and Battle of the Books. Before she was employed at Drayton Valley Library, she was a school coordinator and a coordinator at the District level for Battle of the Books programs for Rocky View Schools. She is now the organizer for Battle of the Books for the Community of Drayton Valley and Brazeau County where she has made changes to this program to build partnerships with the local schools, volunteers from the community, and encourage more youth to be involved in reading great books!
