ACC Staff Spotlight: Lara Beckwith
It's time again for an ACC Staff Spotlight! Let's get to know Lara Beckwith, ACC Access Services Librarian.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in Littleton, a few minutes from ACC. I attended an alternative school in Jefferson County and spent a transformative year in high school as an exchange student in England. During that time, I was also a concurrent enrollment student at Red Rocks, where I met my very best friend, before transferring to Colorado State University in Fort Collins.
I earned my BA in Modern European History with a minor in Classical Dance, and I’ve since gone on to earn three master’s degrees and two graduate certificates.
I’ve been a librarian for nearly a decade. I began my career as a Public Librarian in Aurora and later joined Anythink Libraries in Thornton. I especially loved working in public libraries with children and teens—it’s where I found a real sense of purpose and joy.
Like many librarians, I have a healthy collection of cats, books, and cardigans. I’m also married with two wonderful daughters, who—true to form—have their own stash of cats and books, but prefer hoodies over cardigans.
What is your job at ACC?
Access Services Librarian
What do you do at ACC (explain your role)?
A significant part of my role involves ensuring that the library remains a welcoming, well-organized, and functional space for students and staff. I supervise our team of Student Workers, oversee the care and development of both our physical and digital collections, and handle all aspects of resource management—including purchasing, inventory, maintenance, and cataloguing. I also manage our online resources, assist with locating materials we don’t own, and coordinate events and programs that bring the library to life as a hub of learning and engagement.
How long have you been at ACC?
3 years and a bit
Are you a part of any clubs / organizations / committees at ACC or outside of ACC? What are they and why did you choose them?
I'm part of BTD (Be the difference) here at ACC, because I was asked very nicely a few years ago and I enjoy the committee members quite a lot.
I'm a member of ALA (American Library Association) because it's a wonderful resource for my profession and offers support and trainings that I wouldn't be able to receive else where.
I'm a Girl Scout leader and a lifetime member because I think it's one of the most important and meaningful things I can do for my daughter and her troop. I deeply believe in the mission and power of Girl Scouts and think it benefits not only the girls in it but the communities that they are in as well. I went through all levels of Girl Scouts, earning my Gold Award my senior year of high school. I think that experience taught me so much that I'm still benefitting from decades later.
I'm also part of a few historical groups and living history interpreter organizations. I love teaching and historical interpretation is such a wonderful way to connect the daily life of today with the daily life of 100 or more years ago for people who might not otherwise understand it from books and lectures.
Why did you choose ACC?
After 2020, I wanted to work at a library closer to home. My commute was about an hour both ways and I felt I wasn't spending much time in the house that I was paying for and I was missing out on moments with family and fun with my girls.
I was curious to explore what academic librarianship had to offer, and I was absolutely delighted by the Library team here. I’ve never met a group of people who are not only so genuinely kind and caring, but also work together with such cohesion and effectiveness. The librarians at ACC are truly something special. I was over the moon when I got the call from Lisa—on Christmas Eve, no less!
What is your mountain (ultimate goal)?
My ultimate goal at ACC is to facilitate a place for students to feel safe, supported, cared for, and at home. I want to be able to create access to items and experiences that would be difficult for them to gain otherwise.
What's your favorite ACC memory so far?
I don't have a big shiny favorite memory, but what I do have is that some days, when I'm walking to my car at the end of the day, I think to myself that I made a difference that day. That on that very day, I have changed something for someone for the better. It may be small, but my actions, or my choices, or just my greeting them that day, made a difference. That is my favorite.
Tell us a fun fact about you / Something people may be surprised to find out about you.
I'm a professional seamstress and tailor and I teach sewing on my weekends. I create historically accurate gowns and dresses that are museum quality and have a lot of fun recreating fashion plates from the 1800's.
Top 5 Authors
- Terry Pratchett, by far the greatest writer of all time
- Gail Carriger, always fun and cleaver
- Charlotte Bronte
- Libba Bray
- Laini Taylor
What is your advice to future and current students at ACC?
Go to the Library.
Whether you have a question, need a space, are awkward, or need to be alone, go to the library. You will find what you need at the library. You might also find what you want there too, but you will always find what you need.
Do you know a student, staff member, faculty member, instructor, or alumni that you would like to nominate for an ACC Spotlight? jessica [dot] horning [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (Let us know!) Or if you would like to be spotlighted on the ACC blog, complete our Spotlight form.