Fearless Women, Champions Of Change: Ros Muñoz - It Might Have Been The Gnomes That Led Her To Become A Librarian

By Carolina de la Cajiga

“As a kid, I read many tales; the ones with gnomes were my favorite. These stories led me to question and investigate, taking me to unimaginable places—following an invisible thread, I discovered the world through books!”

Ros's passion for hidden treasures in books remains. “Still now, years later, I vividly remember the smell of old books—a blend of vanilla and almond… The pleasure of flipping the pages—although nowadays, the digital services have replaced the experience—what lingers is the magic of revelation.”

Ros graduated from Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, earning a degree as a Bibliotecóloga—equivalent to a Master of Library and Information Science. “No matter the name, what we librarians do is manage everything from books to digital resources to personnel and more. Most importantly, facilitating the user's experience.” Ros explains. After finishing her studies, Ros decided to try her luck in México City despite having no contacts. “I plucked up my courage and began knocking on doors until a librarian connected me with a private university that was hiring. I applied and got accepted. It didn’t matter it was two hours away from where I lived. I had succeeded!”

Living alone in the vast city was a tremendous challenge for Ros, but the experience proved to be rewarding. “I grew up and became more open and assertive. I met interesting people in many fields, especially in the visual and writing arts—which, to this day, continue to enrich my life.

“My work involved cataloging and classifying the materials for the various campuses. Soon, I was directly involved with the students, which I loved because youngsters spread their energy,” recounts Ros with a warm smile.

She remembers her time in México City with fondness. “I can’t forget unusual or quaint things like being in the subway during the rainy season. Many stations flooded, and the stairs became waterfalls; adults leaped, attempting to escape while kids had the time of their lives. A Mexican chaos…"

“After hearing so many alluring stories about San Miguel de Allende, I came in 2004, and, of course, I visited the Public Library. What a captivating and one-of-a-kind place; the people I encountered were friendly. Serendipity led me to meet Don Juan Manuel Fajardo, the librarian at the time. He suggested I apply. Startled, I thought, why not? I had an interview with the board and was accepted. I’m still in awe!”

Ros moved to San Miguel—ready for a small and quiet place. She was astonished to find a fellow student from Monterrey—falling in love and getting married—something not in her plans.

“The work at La Biblioteca was the same as in any other library, but the ambiance was nonpareil: people from so very different backgrounds, so many volunteers, so many social and cultural activities—I loved working there!"

“I made good friends with foreigners—all older than me. Though I had studied English at school, practicing it daily was quite different; it took me to a new level. If I may, I would highly recommend expats to learn Spanish—they would gain a deeper understanding of México and its people. Their experience would go from lovely to fantastic!"

"I now work in a private university here. In this role, I interact with people from other Mexican states and teach students. It’s interesting how these subtle differences change everything—I enjoy both!

"I learn so much being in touch with the youngsters. The new generations are so dynamic but, at the same time, lonely within their world of social media.

“I have four or five groups per week for a total of eight to ten hours a week with students. Additionally, I oversee the library’s administration, assist users, and promote reading. I’m in Library Heaven!”

Ros’s routine is: “Up at 5 a.m. to get ready and make breakfast and lunch for the family. My daughter and I take public transit—I got used to it in México City—and it’s crucial for me she learns to be part of the community. However, I dislike the sad state of the buses here, with their faulty and noisy engines, sometimes even having holes in the floors and seats… "

In the afternoons, Ros returns to the never-ending second job…  The house routine “I go home and start cooking, cleaning, and the myriad other things we don’t particularly even realize we do…”

“Our contemporary lives!” She sighs while rolling her eyes.