By Staci Henderson, Workforce Development Librarian
Charleston County Public Library’s Main branch became a bit brighter when Hannah Broam began working there in August of 2020. Hannah started working in libraries while she was in high school, continued throughout college, and decided to pursue a career in the field. During their time at Main, they have assisted a myriad of patrons by offering reading suggestions, navigating electronic reading apps, and much more. Similarly, Hannah has proven to be a compassionate advocate and educator for staff members regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Earlier this year, this dedicated servant received a well-deserved promotion. Hannah was hired as CCPL’s Business and Grants Librarian. We sat down with them to chat about their new role.
How long have you been employed by CCPL?
I’ve been working at CCPL for about two years now. For the first year and a half I served as the Digital Resources librarian for the system, and at the start of 2022 I was hired as the Business librarian.
Describe your role as the Business & Grants Librarian.
As the Business librarian, I help patrons who are interested in starting or improving their business, or in browsing or applying for grants by providing information about library resources. It’s a great feeling to show people what they can access for free with a library card, or just by visiting a branch!
What CCPL resources are available to cardholders and those interested in learning more about entrepreneurship, grants, and small business?
One of our most popular resources in the branch is our Foundation Directory computer, which provides a lot of great, in-depth information about what grants are available to grant seekers in our community. I’m also a big fan of our DemographicsNow and Reference Solutions databases – they provide a lot of excellent information about potential customers and local businesses.
Are there any upcoming special projects, programs, or community resources to which you can direct patrons?
Some upcoming library resources include our ongoing SC Bar legal clinics and our SC Department of Consumer Affairs financial literacy workshops. The St Paul’s/Hollywood library also has ongoing Professional Headshot programs, and you can reach them at 843-889-3300 with scheduling questions! It’s always good to check our calendar and social media to stay up-to-date with our latest events.
In terms of community resources, I always direct new business owners and curious entrepreneurs to SCORE, which offers great workshops and free mentorships. Other great resources include the I-HOPE Women’s Business Center, Lowcountry Local First, The Opportunity Center, The Harbor Entrepreneur Center, the Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise Office, and of course, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce.
How do you work in conjunction with the Workforce Development Librarian? How do your roles differ?
The WorkForce Development and Business librarian roles really go hand in hand! I see it as we’re tackling two sides of the same coin – we're helping patrons who want to start businesses and hire people from the community, and we’re helping those same jobseekers put their best foot forward and apply for positions. Our newest WorkForce Development project is interviewing and sharing information from local business owners who are hiring. I often speak with those same business owners about library resources! It’s a great way to showcase businesses in our community and strengthen our community partnerships.
How would you like to implement (currently or in the future) the CCPL’s Five Core Principles of our Strategic Vision (Community Engagement, Equity, Educational Success, Literacy, and Workforce Development)?
I find that reaching out the community and inviting patrons to explore our free resources is a great way to meet our Strategic Vision Goals. I hope to engage the community with one-on-one, personalized assistance and meet patrons where they are. In terms of Equity and Literacy, I work to increase access for all by providing guidance about both the library's and the community’s free resources, as well as highlighting the computers and hotspots to access those databases. I partner with colleagues who help patrons find scholarships and job preparatory materials to meet Educational Success and WorkForce Development goals as well.
What is a typical day like for you as the Business & Grants Librarian?
As I'm sure all library workers are well aware, I've found there’s never a typical day in the library! As the Business librarian, I frequently conduct [SH2] informative one-on-one phone calls, Zoom sessions, and in-person sessions with patrons looking to learn more about our business and grants resources. I also am hoping to work more to provide consulting sessions at our branch libraries to serve patrons around Charleston County. You can reach me to set up an appointment by calling 843-805-6930 and asking for Hannah, or you can reach out to me over email at [email protected].
In addition to Business assistance, what else have you accomplished while working at CCPL?
I’m very proud to be a member of CCPL’s inaugural Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee![SH3] Working to ensure public libraries are welcoming and inclusive to the most marginalized members of our community is one of the biggest reasons I chose this profession. I appreciate the opportunities for growth and learning that this group [SH4] provides. As a part of this committee, the accomplishment I am proudest of is helping develop and co-lead our Pride Staff Group, which strives to create an inclusive and supportive culture at CCPL for LGBTQ+ staff and patrons. I hope to combine the work I do for this committee and my Business librarian duties by offering Safe Zone trainings for local businesses.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
My favorite thing about working in libraries is getting to facilitate “Eureka” moments, for patrons and for fellow staff members! I absolutely love connecting the right person to the right resource, and I really enjoy getting to do that for our local business community as the Business librarian.
Please feel free to reach out to Hannah by calling CCPL at 843-805-6930. With a little bit of practice and self-patience, you will be ready to take on the next steps in your future career. If you would like more information about how to apply for jobs online, assistance in finding resources, tips on how to get the job-hunting process started or more, please reach out to us at CCPL by email, chat, or text. Remember, you are not alone.
Our newest Workforce Development endeavor is interviewing & sharing information from local business owners who are currently hiring. Conveniently, I often speak with those same business owners about our library resources. It's a wonderful way to help our community and strengthen our community partnerships.