I am ALA

Meet ALA Member: Erin Durrett

ABOUT

Erin Durrett
Digital Learning Specialist
Flint Public Library
Flint, MI
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What exciting projects are you working on?

I work with our library’s 3D Printer. We have successfully held programs to build 3D printed prosthetic hands to donate to E-nable. This summer, I am planning on combining my love of circuitry with 3D printing in a workshop held for Teens. I am also excited to be a part of YALSA’s Amazing Audiobooks for the second year, Teen Tech Week Committee and Co-Chair of National Teen Lock-In, held annually in July. In May, I am co-presenting a session entitled ‘This Program Isn’t For You: Pairing Traditional Programs with Non-traditional Audiences’ at an upcoming local conference. I feel lucky to have presented a poster or session at the past three annual conferences of the Michigan Library Association.

How do you hope to help your community in the future?

I am very passionate about reaching out to patrons, since it can be difficult for them to come into the library. In Flint, we are very aware of the need for outreach and have plans to expand that outreach to more schools and local organizations. The goals of my position are to increase the digital literacy in the community. I absolutely believe that is important and want to meet patron needs at every level.

What are you most proud of?

The most ambitious project I worked on was participating in YALSA’s Shark Bowl at the ALA Conference in 2015. I presented my idea of how to teach and improve teen’s digital literacy. Over the next year and a half, I worked on learning about 3D printing and design and then teaching those skills to teens. What they created in their sessions, I printed and added to a public display. While at a new library, I’m continuing my work teaching 3D design skills to children and teens and am ecstatic when the kids really seem to understand design.

What are your hobbies?

I am always reading multiple things at the same time. Currently, I’m listening to X by Ilyasah Shabazz (we are having her visit the library next month), reading the comedic manga series School Rumble and just started Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. Goodreads is probably my favorite social media site and I’m constantly updating my shelves. I started listening to audiobooks as a kid and now can’t drive without them! I am always playing with gadgets, making new 3D prints and crafting. I recently 3D printed the parts to a robot and now I have to build it!