920 CLA is a regular column in Catholic Library World, introducing a CLA member in each issue. Angie Bush is the subject of the September 2017 column.

Q&A with Angie Bush

Library Media Specialist
St. Anne's Catholic School
Bristol, Virginia

Describe your career as a librarian and where you work.

My educational background is in nutritional sciences. After working in that field for ten years, I enjoyed staying at home with my children. Participating in the children’s programs at the public library and volunteering at the school library inspired me to get my certification as a K-12 Library Media Specialist. I’ve worked for six years at St. Anne’s Catholic School (preK-8) in Bristol, VA. It took me a while to discover what I wanted to be when I grow up. Now, I do what I love and love what I do!

Share something about yourself not related to librarianship.

I’ve been married for 21 years. My husband and I have three teenage sons and an Australian shepherd mix named Boo. We live in a small town in Appalachia, Virginia, which is only 1% Catholic.

How does your faith inspire or fit in with your work?

As a librarian in a Catholic school, I can approach everything I do from a Catholic perspective. I hope all who enter the library feel like it is a safe and peaceful, place to read, learn, and grow—a sanctuary. I pray with my students before all research projects and whenever needed. I can freely share stories with the children about Jesus, Mary, the Church, and the Saints in addition to all of the popular children’s and middle grade books.

When and why did you get involved in the CLA?

In 2015, I found that the book reviews, lessons, and articles in a popular library journal were not sufficiently supporting the mission of my preK-8 Catholic school and library. I specifically did an online search for an association of Catholic librarians. I was overjoyed to find the CLA and the CLW journal with children’s book reviews!

What has been your most rewarding experience with the CLA?

Through a partnership between the CLA and the Junior Library Guild, I was awarded the Sally Daly Grant to attend the National Catholic Educators Association/CLA conference in St. Louis this year. At the convention, I networked and fellowshipped with other Catholic librarians and educators. I’ve maintained these relationships by being active in the CLA. The CLA has strengthened me as a teacher/librarian.

As a new member, what do you hope to bring to, and get out of CLA?

As a new member I hope to bring enthusiasm to the CLA. I eventually want to strengthen the CLA presence in Virginia.

What do you hope for the future of the CLA?

I hope that all Catholic librarians—academic, parish, and school (elementary through high)—become part of the CLA!