Can I Ask You Something? Vol. 1

In the mission-driven world, it can be hard to find real opportunities for open, human-to-human conversations across organizations. Even at conferences or networking events, we don't usually get a chance to turn to someone new and say something like, “Hey, I'm having trouble setting a boundary. Will you tell me about one that's important to you and how you got to that decision?”

As I’ve said before, I'm so into the minutiae of other people's day-to-day lives. There are great things we can learn from each other when we make time to ask, and to listen:

What feels crappy to you right now? 

What is something joyful about your day?

What do you think everyone should know about your organization, but maybe doesn't?

We work in a sector where there's often such a scarcity mindset: of time, of money, of emotional bandwidth. There's little time given to slow down, to celebrate, and to contemplate. Sometimes we just want to ask questions. And sometimes we just want to be listened to.

That's one of the reasons I'm so excited to introduce my new interview series, Can I Ask You Something? Every month, I'll feature someone working in or around the nonprofit sector, taking time to pause in their day to share things we can relate to, learn from, celebrate, or even disagree with. 

Collective knowledge is so important, and something I try to center in my work. It helps break down our silos, burst out of our bubbles, and remember that there are other people out there. (And if you'd like to be one of those people, you can go ahead and fill out a quick interest form here.)

I'm thrilled to introduce the first person to share with us: Alexandra Pratt, Director of the West Tisbury Free Public Library on Martha's Vineyard. I've known Alexandra since we were both sophomore transfers at Smith College. For the last two decades, I’ve watched her be one of the coolest people I know: farmer, librarian, outdoor bathtub owner, world traveler, and camping buddy. Read on for what she has to share.

Alexandra Pratt on the left - librarian extraordinaire!

What’s one thing you want people to know about your organization?
The West Tisbury Library has been ranked a five star library several years in a row by the Library Journal.

What’s something your organization is proud of right now?
Our Community "Freedge" (free fridge)! Modelled on free fridges and pantries across the world, it is a space anyone can donate to and anyone can take food from. To me, it represents what is at the heart of librarianship: sharing resources and space with each other to build community and help each other. 

What’s one thing you wish you could tell your younger self?

Don't work so hard! Even if you are passionate and devoted to something, self care needs to come first. The adage “you can’t pour from an empty cup” is true! In public service the drive can be to give as much as yourself as possible but that is not sustainable. Show up, work hard, keep caring, but make it sustainable, for the good of yourself and your organization. 

What’s one boundary you’re holding right now?

Saying no to things! Or at least saying “not right now.” Professionally and personally, I love helping folks and trying to say yes to as much as possible, but realistically there is only so much money in the budget, time, and energy! Slowing down and thinking more strategically about the best use of my energy and the library resources has been very helpful to prevent burnout.

What’s something that happened today that stayed with you?

Today, like so many other days here at our public library, I am struck by how rare shared public spaces like this are; and how truly special they are. 
From unhoused neighbors staying cool in the AC, to year-round residents getting books for summer reading, to tourists here for storytime on a rainy day, folks of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds join in our programs - like community dance classes, improv classes, ukulele jams, and more. It's truly an honor to work to facilitate it all! I feel so incredibly lucky to get to serve my community, to do work to hopefully make my neighbors’ and visitors’ lives a little better.

Thanks so much, Alexandra! You can find out more about the West Tisbury Library here. 

And if you’re interested in being featured in our interviews, you can fill out a short interest form here.