david-lopez-2014David Lopez
, B.A. screenwriting ’07, is committed to using reading and language to serve his community. Born and raised in Santa Ana, David continues to contribute to his hometown as a librarian at the Santa Ana Public Library. In fact, he was recently honored by the New York Times and the Carnegie Corporation of New York as one of the 10 recipients of the
I Love My Librarian Award
, a national award that recognizes librarians and other library employees for public service work in their communities. He was also named by the Orange County Register in its list of the
100 Most Influential People in Orange County
.

In addition to his Chapman degree, David also holds an MFA in creative writing and writing for the performing arts from the University of California, Riverside and a master of library science and information (MLIS) degree from San José State University. David’s work has appeared in the Orange County Register, Connotation Press, Brooklyn & Boyle, and a forthcoming poetry anthology published by Kórima Press.

Tell us about your career as a librarian. What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

I am a librarian at the Santa Ana Public Library in the Technology & Support Services Department, but I have had training in every department. I have worked at SAPL for over nine years and held a position with the Santa Ana Unified School District as an elementary school librarian in the earlier part of my career. Currently, I supervise the daily operations of library services at the Garfield Community Center, the newest and first-of-its-kind joint-use facility in the City of Santa Ana. We have a brand new computer lab, tutoring services, youth and technology programming, as well as recreation classes that are offered through our Parks division.

In addition to my duties at Garfield, I maintain and update the agency’s social media sites, creating and editing web content, in addition to working at the public information desk and serving as a subject specialist for the library’s extensive collection. A major part of my job is also producing community-relevant programming for broadcast on the City of Santa Ana’s cable channel, CTV3, as well as being the responsible agent for the city’s film permit requests. A lot of Chapman students actually go through me when working on student productions.

What inspired you to become a librarian? What aspects of your career are the most enjoyable or meaningful to you?

I grew up visiting the library multiple times a week because my aunt and my sister worked at the Santa Ana Public Library. Many of my formative childhood memories are of summer reading programs, special movie presentations, coloring contests, and other special events. As technology became more and more prevalent in society, the public library is one of the first places I began using a computer, not to mention the hours of reading I would do per day because I couldn’t get enough of that intoxicating library book smell! For me, the library was a safe haven where I could explore creativity and imagination and I am thankful for that. Those memories are the foundation of my passion for libraries and I suppose that now I want to be that catalyst in the lives of those who come in every day that inspires and creates great memories.

Being a first generation born American and growing up in a world where I was bicultural and bilingual has also placed a great mark on why I love what I do. Every day I encounter residents who are in need of the fundamental resources and information that could change their lives. At the library we put information in the hands of those who come in on a daily basis and giving them the tools to use that information to their advantage. We also connect people with one another, proving that libraries are more than just repositories for books, they are the watering holes of the community, where people come to meet others, learn new languages, and exchange life experience, and I’m thrilled to be a part of that world.

What are your interests and activities outside of your career?

Outside of my job I try to volunteer and continue growing as a professional. I am the current president of the Orange County Chapter of REFORMA and PR committee chair for the National Organization, handling official press releases, social media communication, and digital media for all chapter members with the help of committee members. REFORMA is the
National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking
with 20 active chapters in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Our chapter’s main goals are to promote Spanish language and Latino-oriented materials, offer outreach, and provide scholarships for library school students who demonstrate interest in working with Latinos or Spanish speakers. It’s a great organization that has really made me feel like part of a family and given me much support as a growing librarian.

Luckily, being a librarian is not a career that keeps you closed off from the world. Even though I was a librarian before I knew I wanted to be one, writing and film have always been my passion. Having prepared myself as a writer before my career as a librarian has truly given me a chance to have the best of both worlds in my adult life. I am a librarian by day, and writer and lover of the arts every other moment. A highlight in my writing career has been working on my screenplays. I have work-shopped my scripts with friends and colleagues and have met some amazing people throughout the process.

What insight would you give to current students and alumni who are searching for organizations (like REFORMA) to become involved with?

Organizations like REFORMA are a great resource for students who are seeking a sense of belonging or mentorship. For me, REFORMA is a professional family where I have met countless library professionals who are passionate for their work inside and out of libraries. With REFORMA I have found a group of individuals with whom I can relate and whose stories I hear every day and remind me that regardless of our backgrounds, we are all here to make positive change and to educate and lift up society’s underdogs. Being a part of a professional organization after graduation is the difference between having a job and having a career. You leave your job when you clock out, but your career stays with you at all hours of the day and you look forward to learning more and developing yourself as a professional in any way possible.

What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their time at Chapman?

For current Chapman students I would definitely recommend making friends and enjoying your time there. Some of the best times I had at Chapman were wandering around campus discovering new and interesting places to study or just hang out between classes. I also recommend being a part of any clubs or events on campus. This will help you meet new people and prepare you for a long life of friendships from your college years.

From your time at Chapman, which faculty member(s) made the greatest impact on you and why?

During my years at Chapman I had some great professors and instructors who really impacted my academic life positively. But I have to say that my professors from film school really made my experience the most memorable. Faculty members like Tony Alosi, Noreen Stone, and Ross Brown taught me the craft of screenwriting, but most importantly believed in the stories that I had to tell. I felt that I was able to connect to them and I took their guidance with me when I entered graduate school for writing.

How has your Chapman degree helped you in your professional and personal life?

chapman_dlopez_2006


David, during his time as an undergraduate at Chapman

Earning my B.A. in screenwriting taught me about discipline in writing and how to be a responsible adult. I worked hard to write stories that I felt were relevant to my life and culture and Chapman taught me to stay true to myself against all odds. Professionally, I have gone to publish several film essays in Connotation Press, have penned a column in the Santa Ana Register (an edition of the Orange County Register), and have a selection of poems forthcoming in a poetry anthology.

I have also been actively working on screenplays since graduating from Chapman. In October of last year my screenplay “The 41”, a project that I began shortly after leaving Chapman, earned an Honorable Mention award at the Oaxaca FilmFest in the International Screenwriting Category. It is also currently a semi-finalist in the Latino Screenwriting Project based in San Antonio, Texas.

Personally, my degree is a token of confidence. It reminds me that what my parents and grandparents have endured to survive in this country is all worth it. And while it has taken a lot of work and self-development to get where I am, I am grateful for pushing myself every step of the way…and I wouldn’t change a thing.

How were you involved on campus during your time as a Chapman student?

My time at Chapman went too quickly. Since I was a transfer student most of my time was spent in class or studying. I did attend some campus events a few times, but I didn’t have a chance to join any clubs or organizations, which is why I recommend that current students do that, because you only have your college experience once and before you know it, it’s gone! I did, however, take part in two internships while at Chapman. Both were at New Regency on the Fox lot. Several other Chapman students were also there during the same semesters and we met some great students from other universities, some whom I still keep in contact with today.

What is your favorite Chapman memory?

I have some amazing memories from Chapman and the friends that I made during my years as an undergrad so it is so hard to be specific. One of the greatest memories though is when Maya Angelou visited Chapman and spoke at Memorial Hall. I remember a few of us got together and joined everyone who went to hear her speak that night. She was truly inspiring. During that night I felt so honored to be listening to a legend speak at my school. I felt like part of a community.

What was your favorite spot on campus as a student?

One of my favorite places to hang out on campus was in the courtyard outside of Beckman at night. I had many night classes and the lights hanging over the benches made me feel at ease before classes or on breaks. Another place is obviously the library. Leatherby was a sanctuary for me. I spent many weekends reading, studying, using the computers here and it is impossible to think of Chapman and not recall the library’s purpose…but as a librarian I may be a little biased.

Have you been involved with Chapman since graduating?

Since graduating in 2007, I have been back to Chapman as a visitor. At Jefferson Elementary, a school in Santa Ana where I used to be the librarian, the students visit Chapman annually. When I began working there I became a chaperone, taking the students and teachers on a personalized tour of the campus and showing them how the campus has changed over the years.

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