As an Albany native, I grew up going to the different branches of the Albany Public Library. From doing research for elementary school book reports to getting audiobooks for long car rides, the library was my go-to spot as a child. I grew older but I never outgrew my love for the library. Not only do I find myself taking my young daughter to the library for story time, craft activities, and even fishing poles (yes, the library offers way more than books, but don’t worry, she checks-out the books too!), I can’t help but be pulled in to looking at all the new novels on the shelves and creating a list of things that I want to read (or listen to, as I still love audiobooks!).
As a licensed social worker, I know how the library is such a community asset. The branches are located in various parts of the City of Albany and along bus routes, making their services easily accessible to people in any part of the city. Community members from all walks of life visit the library, and I am proud to see how the APL has shifted to address the growing needs of patrons dealing with complex life issues… form unemployment to homelessness to mental health. I am a proud FFAPL member because the library is one of the best resources in any community (maybe that’s a bit of an opinion, but I stand by it 100%!).
Photo by Lark Street Photo
Meet Our Board posts will be running in the month of March. We want to let the public and our donors know all of the dedicated volunteers who serve on the FFAPL board. And, if you are interested in joining our board, contact us and someone from the Board Nominating Committee will follow up with you.
Alyssa Lotmore is the Assistant to the Dean of Communications and Engagement at the University at Albany, and is the co-host of “The Social Workers” on WCDB.
