This is a late response but very much welcomed. Here is our last interview with members of the current YALSA Board. Ever wanted to get to know the YALSA Board of Directors more? Here’s your chance!

Name: Gail Tobin
Title & Library: Hanover Park Branch Manager, Schaumburg Township District Library
Role on the Board: Ex-Officio, Financial Advancement Committee Chair
Year on the Board: 1st year (although I was a past Board member back in 2009-2014)
What does YALSA mean to me?
GT: YALSA is where I started in ALA. The Division has always been on the front-line advocating for and supporting teens in libraries and those who work with them. I have met so many smart, talented people and learned a lot from them over the years.
What are your hopes for the future of teen services?
GT: I hope teen services will continue to be a core service for libraries across the nation, and libraries will be a safe space for teens to be themselves, learn, and have fun.
What is your favorite YALSA Committee or Committee that would love to be on again?
GT: I’ve been on so many process and award committees over the years that it’s hard to choose just one. I particularly liked the book committees – Great Graphic Novels, Morris, Edwards – because I got to read (and re-read) and discuss so many wonderful authors, and they made me read (and like!) some I would never have picked up on my own. And I got to work with and become friends with amazing people on those committees.
What’s your ultimate comfort food?
GT: My mom’s spaghetti with meat sauce. Every time I make it I can’t get enough. And cheese – any kind of cheese!
What TV show or Movie do you watch on repeat? Or a book that you love reading when you’re in between new books?
GT: I don’t have a single favorite, but there are a few I’ll watch on over and over if they come on, like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings or Star Trek and ok, Chronicles of Riddick.
What would you do or where would you go if you won the lotto?
GT: If I won the lottery I would pay off all my debt and visit every National Park.
Want to run for YALSA Board? We’re looking for candidates for the 2024 ALA Election. If you will be at ALA Annual Conference in Chicago this summer, join us at YALSA 301 to learn more about YALSA Governance. Want to find out what the duties and responsibilities of the Director at Large are for the YALSA Board? Find them in the YALSA Handbook here. If you’ve been thinking about it, why not fill out the nomination form today? Just click here.