LibraryReads Readers’ Advisory Interview: Louisa Whitfield-Smith!
(Ms. Whitfield-Smith, above, at far left.)
We here at LibraryReads release a monthly list of the top ten most-nominated titles that librarians across the country love - we do this so that librarians can add tools to their Readers’ Advisory toolbox to better help library patrons. But for some of us, RA is a tricky thing. How do we bring it up to patrons? What does Readers’ Advisory look like? Which resources are the most useful? In the latest in a recurring series, we ask librarians to share their own experiences, tools, and advice.
Let’s get started. Who are you and where do you work?
Louisa Whitfield-Smith, Outreach Librarian at the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library.
How did you become a librarian? What was the process or history that got you here?
I am originally from Mississippi and did community development for almost a decade around the nation. I kept coming back to this question of how community is made and who we consider our neighbor. Both in data and lived experience, running into people outside of work or school and sharing resources matter. And no place in the nation is better at facilitating those two things than public libraries. (Plus my first word was “book.” I probably should have mentioned that before!)
Have you always been a fan of Readers’ Advisory? If not, how did you become a fan?
Hell, yes, I've always been a fan! I worked at Ram's Head Book Shop, an independent bookstore in Roanoke, VA, as a teen. I ran the mystery section and did a lot of displays and my absolute favorite part was recommending gift books based on what people told me about their loved ones, what they liked and what they were going through.
What is the genre/section of the library that you’re most comfortable with?
Graphic novels and comics, movies, slipstream and magical realism.
What is the genre/section of the library you most fear?
For a long time, romance. But I have awesome colleagues, friends and patrons who keep me informed and in good titles to recommend.
When someone asks for a reading recommendation, how do you go about answering their question?
The RA interview! What's the last good book you read? What did you like about it? What are you in the mood for?
I try to know 5 or so backpocket, surefire, mid-list titles in all genres to recommend at all times. But they are not always the right call, so conversation and relationship matters.
And making it safe for them to come back and tell you they hated that book. Or loved it! Then we try again.
What is your favorite book (or books!) to recommend to people?
Currently, The Black Witch by Laurie Forest from Harlequin TEEN!!!
I have not felt this way about a book since I first read Harry Potter. The world building, the quality of characterization, the way it grows empathy and inspires the reader to be about something bigger than themselves. It like HP is much needed balm and inspiration in these days.
What are your favorite RA sources to use?
LibraryReads for purchasing! Also, my colleagues and patrons. Fellow libraries' Read-a-Like lists for popular authors. Kent District Library’s What's Next database for series info. NoveList for stumpers. Goodreads for real people reviews. And anything ever written by Kaite Stover, Neal Wyatt, or Joyce Saricks.
How does LibraryReads help you with Readers' Advisory? (Or does it?)
Keeps me up to date with great debuts and mid-list titles I might miss otherwise!
What RA advice would you give a younger version of yourself?
Patrons are your best resource! If someone reads a genre you don't, pick their brain for classics and new favorites and thank them gratuitously. Also, enjoy reading series now because you will never finish another one again.
Especially The Song of Ice and Fire. Prepare yourself for a longggg winter.
