Monique Orosco began working with Historic Fair Hill as a Library Coordinator in the fall of 2023. Her love of children and education was apparent from the start and she soon began helping with Family Fun Days, as well. This spring, she added Garden Educator to her role and now can be found leading class visits on Fridays at our partner schools.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
It depends on the day! From Monday to Thursday, I work in the school libraries. At the library, I read aloud and check out books for students. On Fridays and Saturdays, I spend time at the school and the burial ground gardens. At the gardens, I lead class visits, play games, do crafts, and help with minor gardening tasks.
What was your experience with libraries and gardening like as a child?
I had minimal experience with gardens as a child. Growing up in Brooklyn, I wasn’t aware of the community gardens available to us. The only experiences I had in gardens were during occasional visits to my grandparents’ garden. Now that I am an adult, I am excited to have access to community gardens and the opportunity to share them with others. Especially, after feeling like I missed out on the community gardens I could have had access to growing up.
I have always loved school and public libraries. New York City Public Libraries were a popular place for my sister and me growing up. I was also lucky to have a school library in elementary and middle school, considering the decline of school libraries across the United States.
What kind of impact do you see school libraries having on your students?
I love seeing the ways the school libraries have an impact on their education! At Hartranft, the school library does a great job contributing to classroom instruction. For example, this year, students did a project for Black History Month. The middle schoolers and their amazing teacher spent each scheduled library visit gathering library resources to help their projects. I was surprised to see the library books alongside their decorated display boards during their presentations! I am so proud to see them use their research and information literacy skills that they have been developing in and out of the library. I love to see how these experiences encourage them to become lifelong learners! Encouraging them to be curious and have fun learning new things!
How do you see your literacy and garden work connecting?
I have been reading aloud during school garden visits on Fridays. I use literacy in the garden to open conversations about why we do what we do at the gardens. There are so many books that can help us set up for garden activities and introduce topics we’re going to explore in the garden. Last Friday, I read The Earth Book by Todd Parr. While reading, we talked about treating the planet well and important garden rules. For example, avoiding littering, being kind to plants and animals, conserving water, and more. The Earth Book also gave us a bridge to conversations about community gardens and why we love them.
What do you enjoy most about your work with Historic Fair Hill?
I love that working for Historic Fair Hill has allowed me to engage with my community. I have lived in Fairhill for 4 years and am only a few blocks from the grounds and the schools. Thanks to my job, I am well acquainted with my neighborhood, and I am constantly learning about the other amazing things community members are doing. Parents and kids remember me and say hi all the time! It feels great to be a part of the community.
What do you enjoy doing outside of your work? What are your hopes for the future?
Outside of work, I love traveling and partaking in new experiences. My hope for the future is to stay happy and healthy while learning and experiencing as much as the world has to offer me!
