As of May 23, 2025, I reached my 4th year with the NN Library. The number 4 is primary number in the Dinékéhjí and I feel writing something up might be interesting. Being the Community Library Manager has single-handedly been the most frustrating yet interesting thing I have been a part of. I remember someone telling me that it takes 4 to 5 years as a manager to make the changes you want to see. It’s been grinding but little by little, the changes I have been wanting to happen are slowly happening.
When I was a fresh graduate student entering into the Information Resources and Library Science at UAZ, I had no idea about libraries and all the different kinds there were too. I remember a lot of my writings and thoughts were all tied into the idea of what could be done here in Window Rock with the NN Library. There was time that I envisioned myself taking over as Library Director with a head of more white hair and deeper wrinkles.
Much like anything in life, there was a reality check, and I soon found myself having to take charge and being responsible for the Main Library’s day-to-day growing pains. I feel like every month, a strand of white hair would sprout where dark strands would be, and canyons would start to form on my forehead. Due to how fast slow things go with the Navajo Nation, I’m embodying the Navajo Nation philosophy of “hurry up and wait!”
My predecessor was at the helm for nearly 47 years, and in the 4 I have done, I could see why it became a hindrance in trying to change the NN Library from within. I can feel as though it was by chance that I was given the opportunity to learn and lead. In some sense, I was entrusted by my predecessor because I have hunch he understood, or knew, I had a grandiose vision and reset the library. Or, he just needed someone younger to mold the library into something.
I love libraries, and I’ve had my fair share of working at different ones for a semester or two. Nothing could have really prepared me for all the things I experience while be the Community Library Manager. Working for NihiDiné (our people) has been interesting and trying to help them buy into the changes that are happening here. Community feedback does let me know we’re on the right track!
There’s definitely more to look forward to and continued changes that will happen as far as the Navajo Nation will allow. Its difficult when you are used to just having things done rightaway.
There’s never a dull day and I look forward to continuing what I’m doing here at the library.