May marks AAPI Heritage Month, a time to honor the contributions and enrich the narratives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. This year, in partnership with the vibrant library community of New Jersey, we are taking a special approach to celebrate this significant month. We're inviting API library workers to share their personal stories, showcasing the diverse backgrounds, challenges, achievements, and dreams that weave the rich tapestry of our community.
We believe these stories are not just tales of individual triumph but also powerful insights into the broader API experience—insights that can enlighten, inspire, and foster a deeper understanding among all library patrons and staff. Whether it’s about your journey into librarianship, the challenges you’ve faced, or the joys you’ve discovered along the way, each story helps paint a fuller picture of the API presence in our libraries. If you're an AAPI library worker and would like to contribute, we encourage you to share your story with us. Your voice matters, and your experiences can make a difference.
Are you an API library staff member? Please submit your story to Email during the month of May 2024, with the subject "Meet Your API Colleagues." Together, let’s celebrate the narrative diversity that strengthens our NJ library community!
 |
Meet Natalie Lau |
Which library do you currently work at, and what are your roles? Also, please tell us about your journey to becoming a librarian or library staff.
I am currently the Scholarly Communications Librarian at Seton Hall University Library in South Orange, NJ. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University- New Brunswick in 2021 then began the Master of Information program in 2021, earning my degree in May 2023. I worked at Princeton University Library during my final year in the MI program and just started my new role at SHU in March 2024.
What has been the most challenging and the best aspect of working at the library as part of the API library staff?
The most challenging aspect of working at a library as an API librarian/library staff is connecting with other API folks. This is why I love the MentorNJ API Meetup, so I always know that I will have a group to connect with no matter where I am for work. The best aspect of working at the library as an API librarian/library staff is knowing I am creating the representation for students and trying to be a great representation for API librarians in New Jersey. Representation matters!
Any advice for someone who identifies as API and is considering working at a library?
I think my best advice for someone who identifies as API and is considering working at a library would be what I said is sometimes the most challenging, find your ways to connect with your community! It may have to extend beyond your workplace, and that is okay! Sometimes it can be nice so that you will always have a group to connect with. Other external communities that I love include Asian Pacific American Librarian’s Association (APALA) and Chinese American Librarian’s Association (CALA).
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I am currently binge watching 9-1-1 on Hulu and reading through all of R.F Kuang’s books! I plan on taking a break to read Ava Chin’s Mott Street memoir soon though. CALA Northeast actually hosted Ava during their conference which unfortunately I could not attend in person. Between all of this, I’ve recently taken up Pilates and have been enjoying it a lot!
Share something you've enjoyed recently: a book, a TV show or movie, and a restaurant everyone should try.
I suppose my hobbies include books and T.V shows, I would also highly recommend The Chair with Sandra Oh as a T.V show. A restaurant I think everyone should try is Nami Nori, with a Montclair location as well as a few in NYC.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Join our MentorNJ API meet ups! We recently had the pleasure of being involved in the recent Culture Connection event in March and I hope to attend a ton more similar events!