Hello! My name is Alice Kuo and I am an Adult Service Librarian at Monrovia Public Library.  I started at Monrovia Public Library as Librarian I in February of 2006, just as I was starting my MLIS classes at San Jose State University.  It was great to be able to take what I was learning in my classes and apply it directly to work.  Upon graduation in 2008, I was reclassified to my current position, Librarian II.  Our brand-new library opened up in May 2009, doubled in size, and with it came a renewed interest from our community members and surrounding communities.  I am especially proud of our opening day DVD collection, which I selected, budgeted and worked through with various vendors. I wear many hats at work; working the Reference Desk, collection development, overseeing acquisitions and cataloging and, most recently, planning and execution of Cultural Programming. 

I "fell" into the world of libraries due to a high school graduation community services requirement.  I volunteered at my local library, South Pasadena Public Library, and really enjoyed the experience.  When a page position opened up, I went for it and started my library career without quite realizing it.  Since then I have worked in Circulation and Literacy for the Bruggemeyer Memorial Library in Monterey Park, became Circulation Supervisor at Placentia Library District, and later oversaw serials and periodicals in Technical Services at Arcadia Public Library.  It was during my tenure at Arcadia that I really thought about what I wanted out of my career and decided to go back to school and attain my MLIS - my "A-Ha" moment.

A friend and mentor told me about the Eureka! Leadership Institute and encouraged me to apply.  After reading about and researching it, I knew it was for me. I want to attend Eureka! because I want to be challenged and attain the leadership skills needed to move up in my profession.  I believe this unique experience will help me serve my community better. My passion is in libraries, and wherever I am or whatever position I am in, I want to push myself to be the best I can be. I am also eager to meet mentors and other like-minded people.

In my spare time, I enjoy going to concerts, plays and musicals with family and friends.  I love traveling, exploring new places and am always up for a trip!  I also love to discover new cuisine, whether it is a new food truck or a place I saw on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.  A perfect Sunday morning for me would be hanging out with my husband, reading and listening to the Puzzlemaster Will Shortz with our fur-baby, Zadie, close at my side.