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WIU Alumna Named East Moline Public Library Director

March 18, 2024

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - Western Illinois University alumna Bianca Sierra has been named the East Moline Public Library Director.

Sierra, a 2006 graduate of WIU's Elementary Education program and a 2022 graduate of WIU's English program has since followed her passion for education and serving the community.

"For several years, I used my Elementary Education degree to work in schools throughout the Quad Cities and applied for several positions. At the time, some positions would have as many as 80 applicants and I did not have success obtaining a full-time teaching position. I did, however, spend time substituting for teacher librarians and decided to go back to school for Library Science," Sierra said.

After completing her graduate studies at WIU, Sierra began working in public libraries and hasn't left, hoping to work with both the WIU-QC campus library and the WIU community through partnerships in the future.

"I was able to thrive at WIU," Sierra said. "The best part of WIU for me has always been the amazing professors and small class sizes. I immediately noticed the difference when I transferred from the University of Iowa to WIU in 2004. The teachers all knew me by name and everyone else in our classes. In 2021 I returned to WIU for graduate school and even though the program was online, I still received the same attention and support as on campus."

Sierra remembers a professor who made a significant impact on her college experience.

"Rebekah Buchanan was my professor for an independent study class and directed my applied project. We share a love of YA literature and we were able to create a class that focused specifically on YA literature. My applied project also focused heavily on YA literature," Sierra said.

When asked what was one piece of advice she would give to a WIU student, she answered with optimism.

"You are allowed to change your mind," Sierra said. "While attending WIU, you will find your true passions. Take more of the kinds of classes that you love and which come easier to you. Do what you love and it will all work out. When in doubt, ask a librarian!"

For more information on WIU's Education programs, visit wiu.edu/coehs/education/. For more information on WIU Libraries, visit wiu.edu/libraries.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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