Gaby Silva — Youth Services Librarian, Colusa County Free Library (CA) & 2025 Empowering Library Workers of Color Scholarship Recipient
Gaby Silva serves as the Youth Services Librarian for the Colusa County Free Library, a seven-branch system nestled in rural Northern California. With a county population just over 22,000, and communities as small as 200 residents, Gaby’s work reflects the values and rhythms of the people she serves. Agriculture shapes daily life in Colusa, and it’s reflected in programs like pumpkin painting from the local patch, orange-themed STEAM activities, and hands-on science projects using refractometers and bird feeders made from citrus.
“The beauty of working in a small, rural library is that you get to build real, lasting relationships,” Gaby says. “You’re not just a librarian—you’re a neighbor, a mentor, and sometimes even a lifeline.”
The library is just that for many in Colusa County, offering one-on-one support for job seekers, digital literacy learners, and community members navigating systems like the DMV. Gaby’s proudest moments come from helping patrons overcome challenges, like the time she helped an 80-year-old veteran learn to use email and schedule an appointment online. It’s everyday victories like these that define the library’s impact.
Bilingual and bicultural, Gaby is passionate about ensuring the library reflects its Spanish-speaking population through bilingual story times, cultural programming, and translated materials. One of her favorite annual events is El Día de los Niños, featuring bilingual books, folklórico dancers, and mariachi performances, all made possible through deep community collaboration.
“As someone who grew up here, it means everything to give back. Libraries opened doors for me, and now I get to help open them for others.”
Now attending her first ARSL Conference as the 2025 Empowering Library Workers of Color Scholarship Recipient, Gaby is eager to learn, connect, and grow alongside other professionals who serve small and rural communities just like hers.
Written by the ARSL Office
