Lissy — Charlotte, NC

Get to know Lissy…
I am a sophomore attending Myers Park High School. I am very passionate about reading, writing, coding, and science. I moved from Africa to the United States with my family about four years ago, and we have been living here in Charlotte ever since. Moving here was extremely hard as I had to say goodbye to many things and people that made my childhood, but the most challenging part was fitting in. Especially in school, I struggled a lot with the language and understanding of different concepts. This was when the library played a big part in my life. Not only did it help me with the language and schoolwork, but it provided me with many opportunities to be involved in the community I probably couldn’t have found anywhere else.

What made you interested in being a library ambassador?
The library has made a big difference in my life, and I sincerely think that I would have struggled a lot without it. By providing me with many books and activities to engage with others in the community, the library opened many doors for me. I believe it could do the same for other kids. That’s why when one of my teachers told us about this event, I did not hesitate to jump on the chance and take part in helping expand the access to libraries and helping people realize its importance.

Would you like to give a shout out to your home library?
I would consider Scaleybark my home library. This library is one of the best libraries because of the incredible staff and organization system in place. The environment is very peaceful regardless of the number of people in it, and the librarians are always ready to help whenever there seems to be an issue.

What is your earliest library memory?
While I can’t recall exactly, I remember a friend of our mom who wanted to pick up a few books thought I should come along with her. Libraries in Africa are very different from how they are built to how they are organized; therefore, I was amazed by seeing how different the library here was. I remember walking between the books so mesmerized by all the different collection of books. I was also captivated by how it was very modernized and was more than what my expectations of a library looked like. It was then that I knew I would be coming to the library more often.

Favorite Book?
I have read many thought-provoking, mind-blowing and thrilling books; therefore, I am not sure I can make a single book my favorite over others. However, one book I read recently made me question things a lot was Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison.

What do you love about libraries?
The whole staff at the Scaleybark library was really generous and helpful. Not only were they there to help, but they were also there to guide me and explain things whenever I was stuck on something or lost.

What do you want legislators to know about libraries?
Everyone knows the importance of books and libraries but what people don’t realize is how much they truly matter. Today the world is standing against one of the worst pandemics ever, and many people in the community are frightened by all that is going on. This why I believe that for a better future and to help the community in this challenging time, North Carolina legislators should continue doing their best by expanding libraries and making them available to anyone, as libraries offer a variety of ways people can relax and be involved in the community.