Christopher Coolman is a 44 year old husband and father of two from Yuma, Arizona, currently in his third semester of UMA’s ILS program.
He is the Library Assistant 1 in charge of Youth Services for the Yuma County Library District at its Foothills branch. He has been instrumental in creating and implementing many popular programs, including the District’s new winter reading program, sensory storytimes, and the Harry Potter Book Night program that brought in 776 Potter fans to take over the library and enjoy wizard-themed programming.
In 2018, Christopher helped author an LSTA grant proposal for a special needs resource center and assistive tech for two of the branches in the district. Over $30,000 was awarded for these efforts.
The ILS program at UMA as allowed me to continue working while going to school full time. I’ve been able to take things I’ve learned and put them into practice immediately, to the benefit of our patrons.
I grew up in and around libraries and being able to help kids find their love of reading is one of the best parts of my job. Connecting them with the right book and seeing their excitement after they’ve finished is why I do this job.