Sno-Ise Libraries welcomes Griselda Guevara-Cruz to the Board of Trustees as of Jan. 1, 2024. With a background deeply rooted in the experiences of immigration and cultural challenges, Guevara-Cruz brings a unique perspective to the board.
“My hope is that more people become informed about the resources available to them at Sno-Isle Libraries, in different languages, for different ages, and with accessibility that meets their needs,” said Guevara-Cruz.
Guevara-Cruz’s goals include enhancing the high-quality service the libraries already provide, with a focus on addressing specific community needs and supporting long-term positive change. She emphasizes the critical role of libraries in offering free information and resources, viewing them as vital community hubs for education, resource access, and communal engagement.
As a child of parents who migrated from Oaxaca, México, she grew up navigating the complexities of life as a first-generation U.S. citizen and professional in a migrant farmworker household. Her family's indigenous Mixtecan heritage and long-standing residency in south Snohomish County have significantly shaped her journey.
A proud graduate of Mariner High School and the first in her family to achieve higher education, Guevara-Cruz’s educational journey was marked by significant challenges, including limited access to resources like internet and computer facilities. Her experiences at the Mill Creek Library, which she credits for her academic success during those times, have fostered a deep appreciation for public libraries.
When asked about the future of Sno-Isle Libraries, Guevara-Cruz responded, “I would love to see intentionality in building in-depth, culturally relevant, and multi-generational services with local partners who collaborate with Sno-Isle Libraries to better serve community members who have different needs.”
“I am particularly excited to see how the Mariner Community Campus work unfolds and to provide insight and support where needed,” she said.
Her passion for libraries is evident in her support for services such as Library on Wheels and the opportunity to check out laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots, which she sees as essential for meeting ongoing community needs. Guevara-Cruz envisions a future where libraries are more culturally responsive and accessible to all, especially those from traditionally marginalized communities.
Guevara-Cruz welcomes the community to connect with her and she looks forward to contributing her insights and experiences to the evolution of Sno-Isle Libraries. She will serve a seven-year term on the Sno-Isle Libraries Board of Trustees.
Residence: Edmonds
Employment: Migrant education program supervisor for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Home library: Mariner Library
Favorite reads: “Esperanza Rising” by Pam Muñoz Ryan, “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou, "How to Be an Antiracist" by Ibram X. Kendi.
