#CPLStaffSpotlight | Chapter 9
Meet Pierre Urquhart, Adult Librarian at Legler Regional Library!
What did you study in college, and how did it shape your path to becoming a librarian?
I majored in business management at Northeastern Illinois University, but throughout college I found myself drawn to the library setting, whether for research, part-time work or volunteering. I realized I loved organizing information, supporting learning and connecting people with resources. My business management background actually shaped my path to librarianship in meaningful ways. The program taught me how to organize people and processes, which translates directly into library work. Librarians manage operations every day, running departments, coordinating staff schedules, handling conflict and guiding professional development. Business management prepared me to think strategically about growth, efficiency and change, whether that involves new services, technology upgrades, community outreach or space planning. This inspired me to start my career in librarianship, so I went to Chicago State University where I received my master of library and information sciences.
Another significant connection is outreach. Libraries promote their services and build relationships with their communities to provide a better library experience for patrons. The marketing, branding and customer-focused skills I developed in business management have been incredibly valuable. Overall, combining my business background with my genuine love for library work made librarianship a natural and fulfilling path for me.
How long have you worked at CPL and did you grow up in Chicago?
I have been with CPL for 12 years. During that time, I have had the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to CPL’s mission of serving the community. My experience here has strengthened my commitment to providing accessible resources and meaningful support to our patrons. I was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, and that background has profoundly shaped my dedication to this work. Growing up in this community gives me a unique perspective on the needs, strengths and diversity of the people we serve. It is significant to give back to the neighborhoods that helped shape who I am today.
What is your favorite part about working at Legler Regional Library?
My favorite part of working at Legler Regional Library is, without question, the patrons. Each day, I have the opportunity to meet individuals from all walks of life, and that diversity brings richness and vibrancy to the library environment. I genuinely enjoy engaging with our patrons, whether through a simple conversation, assisting them with resources or learning a bit about their backgrounds and interests. Building these connections helps create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where people feel comfortable, supported and valued. I take pride in fostering a sense of belonging and I believe that even small interactions can make a meaningful difference in someone's experience at their local library. Being able to contribute to that positive environment is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role at Legler Regional Library.
Your Maker Lab programming is particularly popular, what thinking goes into creating a program that you think will resonate with patrons?
When planning Maker Lab programs, my goal is to create experiences that offer patrons a creative outlet. I understand that many people have demanding jobs or stressful routines and often need a space to relax and decompress. With that in mind, I design programs that are approachable and require minimal mental effort, so participants can focus on enjoying the process rather than worrying about getting everything perfect. At the same time, I want these programs to inspire creativity and exploration. Accessible activities allow participants to discover new skills, experiment with different materials and unlock their creative potential. Seeing patrons engage, experiment and feel proud of what they've made is incredibly rewarding. My goal is to create a welcoming environment where people can step away from their daily stress, connect with their creativity and experience the joy of making something uniquely their own.
What type of programming do you plan for senior centers and how does it differentiate from other programming you create?
When planning programming for senior centers, I focus on providing activities that are engaging, creative and accessible to older adults. I currently plan film screenings and hands-on creative programs, such as knitting and crocheting. I am also introducing new programs, including soap making and candle making, to offer seniors a variety of ways to explore their creativity. Seniors often enjoy participating in the same types of activities as other patrons, but with the added consideration of accessibility and convenience. I make sure to bring all necessary supplies to any nearby senior centers, so participants can fully engage without worrying about materials or setup. I also adapt the programs to accommodate different mobility levels, dexterity and pace, creating an environment that is welcoming and inclusive. My goal is to provide seniors with meaningful and interactive experiences that allow them to socialize, learn new skills and enjoy a sense of accomplishment. By bringing these programs directly to them, I encourage access to creative opportunities that might otherwise be difficult to attend, making the library's resources and programs more equitable and impactful for all members of the community.
Providing a meaningful experience is such an important part of libraries, what does it mean to you to be able to provide good customer service and a welcoming space to patrons?
I pride myself on providing good customer service because many patrons may not be fully aware of everything CPL has to offer. They can sometimes feel frustrated or overwhelmed while trying to get things done. I make it a priority to approach every interaction with patience, respect and attentiveness, taking the time to listen carefully to each patron's needs and questions. By speaking to patrons respectfully and guiding them in a clear and approachable way, I help create a welcoming environment where they feel supported and valued. I also recognize that even small gestures, like offering a friendly smile, answering questions thoroughly or providing helpful resources, can make a significant difference in someone's experience. To me, good customer service goes beyond completing a task; it's about ensuring that every patron leaves the library feeling empowered, understood and encouraged to return. Being able to provide that kind of positive, meaningful experience is incredibly rewarding because it allows me to contribute to the Library's role as a safe, welcoming and supportive space for the entire community.
When did you know you wanted to become a Librarian?
I have been with CPL for 12 years, and during that time, I have grown through many roles — starting as a page, to part-time clerk, full-time clerk, head clerk, library associate and now as a librarian. Each role gave me valuable insight into CPL’s operations and the needs of our patrons and helped me develop a deep appreciation for the many ways a library can serve its community. One of the most formative experiences in my career was working as a teen library associate at Austin-Irving Branch. At that time, the teen space didn't have a strong audience, and many teens weren't actively participating in programs or visiting during open hours. I made it my goal to engage them, creating programs and activities that would appeal to their interests and encourage them to make the library their own space. Seeing the excitement, joy and sense of belonging on their faces was incredibly rewarding. It showed me the real impact a librarian can have in creating meaningful experiences and connecting with the community. That experience was a turning point for me. It made me realize that I wanted to become a librarian not just to manage resources, but to actively bring joy, learning and engagement to patrons of all ages. Since then, I have focused on creating programs and services that are welcoming, inclusive and enriching, and I continue to be inspired by the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of the people we serve.
What is one thing you wish people knew about the Library that they might not know?
I wish more people knew about the fantastic programs and resources we offer. Beyond books, we provide a wide variety of opportunities for learning and exploration. For example, patrons can use online resources like Ancestry to research their family history or access tools such as AI-assisted resume builders to support professional development. We also offer programs and services that foster creativity, learning and community engagement, such as workshops, Maker Lab activities and digital museum passes that patrons can check out. These resources are designed to empower patrons, support lifelong learning and provide experiences that many people might not expect from a library. I wish more people realized how dynamic and valuable the library can be as a place for education, creativity and connection.
What are some of your favorite hobbies or interests?
I really enjoy traveling with my family. Exploring new places, learning about different cultures and experiencing new environments together brings me a lot of joy. Traveling also gives me opportunities to be curious, plan thoughtfully and adapt to new situations — all skills that translate well into my work at CPL. I am also passionate about fitness and am currently on a personal fitness journey. Going to the gym and maintaining an active lifestyle helps me stay energized, focused and disciplined, which benefits both my personal life and my professional responsibilities. Above all, one of my favorite and most rewarding hobbies is being a dad. Spending quality time with my child, supporting her growth and creating meaningful experiences is central to who I am. Being a parent has taught me patience and empathy, which is what I carry into my interactions with patrons and into program planning. Overall, my hobbies of family, travel and fitness help me maintain a well-rounded, balanced life. They give me perspective, energy and inspiration, which I bring into my work every day to create positive, engaging and meaningful experiences for the community I serve.
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading “Outliers, opens a new window” by Malcolm Gladwell. I was drawn to this book because I am interested in understanding the factors that contribute to success and how opportunity, environment, practice and community all shape outcomes. It's fascinating to see how small differences in timing, support and resources can have such a significant impact on a person's achievements. Reading this book has also inspired me to reflect on my own career in librarianship and on how I can help create opportunities for others to succeed. Whether it's through planning engaging programs, connecting patrons to valuable resources or creating a welcoming environment, I see a connection between the lessons in the book and the work I do every day. I enjoy reading not only for personal enrichment but also to gain different perspectives that I can bring to my work. Books similar to “Outliers” remind me of the importance of supporting others, encouraging curiosity and creating growth opportunities, values I strive to bring to my role at the Library. Engaging with thought-provoking books helps me continue learning and growing, which ultimately benefits the community I serve.
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