Meet Claudia Basaldúa

Q: First, huge congratulations on being named Massachusetts Paralibrarian of the Year!  What was your reaction when you heard the news?

Thank you so much! I was touched that some of my colleagues nominated me, but I thought: what are the chances that two Argentinians from the same library get this award?! Well, it happened! [In 2024 Inés Gonzalez-Romero of WFPL was named Massachusetts Paralibrarian of the Year.]

But in all honesty, hearing about the amazing work the other nominees had done made me feel it was an honor to be part of that list in the first place.

Q: What first drew you to library work, and how did you end up at the Watertown Free Public Library?

I moved to Watertown in 2022 and I was looking for a job; there was an opening as a part-time Circulation Assistant at the WFPL and I found out that I didn’t need to be a librarian to apply so I did. Once in the job I learned more about the role of libraries in this country and I was thrilled to be part of something so meaningful.

Q: For readers who don't work in libraries, what does your role as a Circulation Assistant actually involve?

We are the ones that greet you and help you get your requested items, we make your library cards, check out any materials you want to take home, give you directions, and really, we just want to help you get what you came looking for and tell you about things you may like and you didn’t know we offer.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working in a public library?

That everything is free, that everyone is welcome, that I get to help my neighbors. That we have no other business but making your day better by connecting you with resources and information that you need or you’re just curious about, or just by offering you a kind greeting and comfortable space to hang out.

Q: The award recognized your efforts to build community, especially among Spanish-speaking and immigrant patrons. Why is that important to you?

Because that is my community, I am an immigrant and I am part of Watertown. I can be a bridge and share with the library what we need, what we fear, what we perceive when we enter the building. I like to think that when I welcome a Spanish speaking patron, they feel a bit like home too, because it is not just language that we share, it’s idiosyncrasy. I know what it feels like out there right now, and I want them to feel safe and welcome in the library. I like to extend that to everyone I meet, but immigrants (from anywhere), have a special place in my heart ❤

Q: You launched Club de Lectura en Español, the first Spanish-language book club in the Minuteman Library Network. How did that idea come about, and what has the response been like?

It started with the library director, Kim Long’s decision to make our library more accessible to patrons who don't speak English as a first language. Allie Fry, our programming librarian, suggested a book club in Spanish, and I signed up to lead it. 

This endeavor then turned into a learning curve that exposed why this initiative was so important. For example, what titles make it to this country and what voices are left behind? What do we find in our network’s catalog? And so on. It was important to me that we read our stories told by Latinx-Hispanic authors and that this book club wasn’t a Spanish class or conversation practice but a place of belonging for the native Spanish speakers and first gen to celebrate our culture.

The results were amazing from the beginning. Our first meeting had 18 participants! We have consistently kept a steady audience and more importantly, we created a community, there are friendships growing, support strategies being deployed in these times of isolation. Once a month we meet face to face and share our thoughts and laugh under the lovely pretext of literature.

Q: What have you learned from the people who participate in the book club and other library programs?

I love to hear from everyone in the Book Club. We are in a time where we’re only fed our own ideas and biases ad infinitum by every algorithm available, and we’re promised content in every screen but what we get is a stream of verbal incontinence at best.  

But every month, a curated experience takes place in the Watertown Free Public Library, where we pause, we have interesting discussions, we listen and we share our thoughts (and sometimes we change our POV in real time) through a kind conversation with others. And we do it in person! Remember what that was like?

Q: Many residents have also seen your artistic work through library displays, installations, and promotional materials. How does creativity fit into your work at the library?

To me, imagination is the ability to see something that is not there yet, and creativity is the means you find to make it happen according to time, place, and circumstance. If you want to change things you have to play with the “what ifs” and “how abouts” and imagine what we could do together even if you haven’t seen it done yet or it’s not the way things are usually done. You can use this formula in anything, in an interaction, in problem solving, etc.

Now art is what I do to keep myself sane. It makes me happy to share a bit of my inner world with the community, and I hope you enjoy it too!

Q: Are there any new programs or ideas you're excited to explore in the future?

Yes! Something very exciting we’re launching this year is a Spanish Book Club Kit. Basically, if anyone in our Minuteman Library Network (not just Watertown) wants to start their own Spanish Book Club, they’ll be able to check out a bag with 10 copies of some of the newer voices in Latinx-Hispanic literature and a printed list of questions/prompts to spark conversation about the title you checked out. Super easy! We want to spread the joy of reading in Spanish with everyone! This would be great for those who are practicing Spanish and would like to do a group activity.

We’re also working on more Creative Writing Workshops in Spanish and to keep fostering connections with local musicians, artists, writers, zinesters, etc. to bring more multicultural materials and programs to the library. Sign up to our newsletter so you don’t miss out!

Q: Claudia, what brought you to Watertown, and what do you enjoy most about living here?

In Watertown I found birds outside my window every morning (where before moving here it was the screeching sound of the green line) and the river is just a walk away. That always calms me. 

I love the little shops and the family stories behind them (Tabrizi Bakery, Halva, Natural Fruttiberri, Arax, Wicked Bagels, Chennai Eats, and so many more, we’re so lucky!) 

I love when people make the choice of caring for each other, and I've seen a lot of that here.

Q: You've helped create spaces where people can connect through books, language, culture, and community. What do you hope someone feels when they walk into the library for the first time?

That everyone is welcome. That we’re here for you. We’re living in a tough world that demands a lot and offers little certainty, but here you have a place where you can just be, and we’ll do our best to leave you with a smile and wanting to come back.