Shannon Houlihan Ng is new Idyllwild librarian

Shannon Houlihan Ng brings impressive credentials to her new position as head librarian for the Idyllwild Library. She has a master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from UCLA, an undergraduate degree in English (Cal State San Bernardino), with additional postgraduate studies in English, a secondary teaching credential in English and a librarian services credential in progress. She has worked for nearly 20 years in the library science field, with emphases on acquisitions and programs for young people.

She brings a passion for expanding outreach to teens and younger readers and plans to make use of the new library’s state of the art technical facilities to grow that outreach. “I want to reach young adults using the new tools that are available,” said Ng. She is also facile with social media and will be able to utilize that media to reach younger audiences.

The new branch library in Strawberry Plaza, scheduled to open in October, is cutting edge, and Ng plans to use the library’s new features and equipment to increase use of and interest in the library facility. “This library will be more user driven,” said Ng. “New features include self checkout, more computer stations, separate teen and children’s areas, a fireplace lounge and quiet reading area for adults and a study room that can be reserved.” Ng envisions the study room as a large private area that could be used by home-schooled students or local study groups. She will also educate users in the library’s new features and systems.

Ng said she is looking forward to Idyllwild’s small town life. She is, as she said, an Air Force “brat” where most of her father’s assignments were in smaller towns. “I feel more at home in a small town atmosphere,” she said. “It’s nice when everybody knows everybody and you know where you fit in.” Ng is now staying with friends locally but is looking forward to finding her Idyllwild home. Having gone to high school in southern Illinois, she said she is not intimidated by the prospect of an Idyllwild winter. “I’m very familiar with snow,” she said.

Ng’s resume, in addition to chronicling a strong professional background, details her commitment to volunteering. “Volunteering is essential to everyone’s character,” she said. “It’s the strong part of being a citizen.” Ng is an American Red Cross CPR trainer and has been active with the American Cancer Society’s Relay of Life, the National Charity League and has served for many years, in many leadership capacities, as a volunteer with the Girl Scouts of America. The United Way of the Inland Valley recognized Ng as Volunteer of the Year, the California State PTA conferred its Honorary Service Award, and the Girl Scouts of America, San Gorgonio Council honored her as Outstanding Volunteer.

Ng said she will continue volunteer work in Idyllwild and anticipates becoming a participating member of the Idyllwild community.