Meet Christine Pyles

How long have you been in your current position?
9 ½ years.

What do you love most about your job?
I love connecting with people—especially building relationships with children that keep families coming back to the library again and again.

How long have you been an OLC member?
I’ve been an OLC member since 2013, when I joined as a student. I became a Certified Public Librarian in July 2016.

Why did you become involved with OLC?
Beyond the excellent training opportunities, I became more actively involved in 2019 by serving on the Convention & Expo Program Committee. It was a great way to contribute and connect with other library professionals.

What was the first OLC event you attended?
My first event was the 2014 Convention & Expo.

What was your first OLC committee or division experience?
I served on the Convention & Expo Program Committee in 2019.

How have you been involved with OLC in the past and present?
I’ve volunteered for a variety of roles over the years. My involvement includes serving on both the Program and Local Arrangements Committees for the Convention & Expo, participating in the Teen Services Division, and serving on the Professional Development Committee. I’ve also held leadership roles as Teen Services Division Coordinator and Past Coordinator, and I currently serve as Assistant Coordinator of the Marketing and Public Relations Division.

I’ve also had the opportunity to present sessions such as: The Reader is Female: Recommending Comics to Women and Girls; Listening is Reading, Too!; Teen Advocacy: A Guide for Library Staff; Most Common Youth Services Reference Questions—Answered!; Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth at the Library.

How has OLC membership contributed to your professional growth?
The camaraderie and friendships I’ve built over the past several years have been invaluable. Staying actively involved helps me keep up with trends in Ohio libraries, and it’s opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Through my work with OLC, I’ve been able to expand my professional network and contribute to meaningful projects across the organization.

What is your favorite OLC memory?
Presenting my first session, “The Reader is Female,” stands out as a highlight. The room was packed—every chair filled and people sitting on the floor—and I had former colleagues giving me thumbs up and cheering me on. It was rewarding to see such enthusiasm for a topic I’m passionate about and to feel so supported.

What is the best professional advice you’ve been given?
One piece of advice from library school has really stuck with me: “You don’t have to know everything—you just have to know where to find the answer.” I rely on that often. It applies not only to books and databases, but also to the people around you.

Where can you sometimes be found in your free time?
I spend much of my free time creating and selling quirky, bookish polymer clay earrings through my small business. I also love collecting vintage PVC toys.