Amy Kyung-Eun Breslin, an Outreach Librarian at the Lorain Public Library System in Ohio, is recognized for her innovative approach to community engagement and literacy advocacy. Leveraging her expertise in public librarianship, Amy focuses on empowering marginalized communities through strategic partnerships and initiatives that emphasize social justice, identity development, and literacy equity. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to fostering inclusive spaces that reflect the diversity and humanity of all community members, particularly within the Asian/Pacific American community.
Introduction
In an era where public libraries are evolving into critical centers for community engagement, few professionals have made as significant an impact as Amy Kyung-Eun Breslin. As an Outreach Librarian at the Lorain Public Library System, Amy has dedicated her career to transforming libraries into vibrant spaces that empower underserved populations. Her work is characterized by a relentless pursuit of social justice, literacy advocacy, and the creation of inclusive environments that celebrate cultural diversity.
Early Life and Educational Background
Amy Kyung-Eun Breslin’s journey into librarianship is as inspiring as her contributions to the field. Born in Korea and adopted into an American family, Amy navigated the complexities of transracial adoption. These experiences shaped her understanding of identity and belonging, motivating her to pursue a career that would allow her to support others in similar circumstances. She obtained her Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from Kent State University, where she developed a strong foundation in librarianship with a focus on community outreach.
Career Path and Achievements
Cuyahoga County Public Library
Before joining the Lorain Public Library System, Amy worked as a Children’s Services Assistant at the Cuyahoga County Public Library in Ohio. In this role, she honed her skills in engaging young readers and fostering a love for literacy among children from diverse backgrounds. Her work at Cuyahoga County set the stage for her future endeavors in community-focused librarianship.
Lorain Public Library System
In January 2022, Amy transitioned to the Lorain Public Library System as an Outreach Librarian. Here, she has been instrumental in implementing strategic planning initiatives that extend the library’s reach into the broader community. Amy’s role involves collaborating with various stakeholders to design and deliver programs that address the needs of under-resourced populations. Her work is particularly focused on literacy justice—ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to the resources they need to succeed.
Commitment to Social Justice and Literacy Advocacy
Amy’s approach to librarianship is deeply intertwined with her commitment to social justice. She believes that libraries should serve as equitable spaces where all community members feel valued and represented. To this end, she has been involved in numerous initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within the library system.
Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA)
Amy’s involvement with the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) has been a cornerstone of her professional journey. Since joining APALA in 2018, she has served in various leadership roles, including as Co-Chair of the Family Literacy Focus (FLF) committee. Under her leadership, the FLF committee revised the APALA Rubric for Evaluating Asian American and Pacific Islander Youth Literature—a tool designed to help librarians curate collections that accurately reflect the diversity of AAPI communities.
Building Equity-Based Summers Initiative
In addition to her work with APALA, Amy is a member of the statewide committee piloting the IMLS-funded Building Equity-Based Summers initiative. This program aims to create more equitable summer learning opportunities for children across Ohio, with a particular focus on underserved communities. Through her involvement in this initiative, Amy continues to champion literacy as a powerful tool for social change.
Innovative Programs and Community Engagement
Amy Kyung-Eun Breslin’s work is characterized by a deep understanding of the needs of the communities she serves. She has been involved in the development of several innovative programs that extend the impact of public libraries beyond their physical walls.
Youth Empowerment through Literacy Justice
One of Amy’s most notable contributions is her work in youth empowerment through literacy justice. She collaborates with partner organizations to develop programs that help young people explore their identities, build confidence, and develop critical thinking skills. These programs are designed to be inclusive, culturally responsive, and reflective of the diverse communities they serve.
Identity Development and Collective Awareness
Amy’s programs often focus on helping individuals, particularly youth, navigate complex issues of identity and belonging. She believes that libraries have a unique role to play in supporting identity development by providing access to diverse resources and creating spaces for open dialogue. Her work in this area has been particularly impactful in communities with large populations of immigrants and refugees, where issues of identity and cultural integration are often at the forefront.
Leadership and Mentorship
Beyond her programmatic work, Amy is also deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of library professionals. She has served as a mentor in the APALA Mentoring Program, where she has guided young librarians through the early stages of their careers. Her mentorship is rooted in her own experiences of finding community within APALA, and she strives to provide the same sense of belonging and support to her protégés.
Challenges and Future Goals
Despite the significant progress she has made, Amy Kyung-Eun Breslin recognizes that there is still much work to be done. The challenges of navigating complex social issues, securing funding for programs, and ensuring that libraries remain relevant in an increasingly digital world are ever-present. However, Amy is undeterred. She remains focused on her goal of transforming public libraries into hubs of equity and inclusion, where every community member feels seen, heard, and valued.
Conclusion
Amy Kyung-Eun Breslin is more than just a librarian—she is a catalyst for change. Through her work at the Lorain Public Library System and her involvement with organizations like APALA, Amy is redefining what it means to be a public librarian in the 21st century. Her commitment to social justice, literacy advocacy, and community empowerment serves as an inspiration to her peers and a beacon of hope for the communities she serves. As she continues to push the boundaries of what libraries can achieve, there is no doubt that Amy’s impact will be felt for generations to come.
Final Thoughts
In the ever-evolving landscape of public librarianship, professionals like Amy Kyung-Eun Breslin are leading the charge toward a more inclusive, equitable future. Her work exemplifies the power of libraries to transform lives and communities, and her story is a testament to the importance of passion, dedication, and a deep commitment to social justice.
