Dolores “Dee” Lopez

Library Assistant, Diane Yzaguirre Memorial Library

Welcome to the marvelous Diane Yzaguirre Memorial Library located on the Immokalee Reservation.  My name is Dolores Lopez aka “Dee”.  I have four (4) children who are all Seminole Tribal Members.  I have experienced the joy of learning the inner workings of this library from the ground up.  When I first began my employment at the Library, I was as green as an apple.  Thankfully, I had the privilege of being surrounded by colleagues who were more than willing to help me and who believed and supported me wholeheartedly, so that I could better serve the Tribal community.  I never realized the responsibility of keeping a library organized.  Happily, my supervisor is always open to questions and is more than willing to listen to my “creative” ideas. 

I am most proud of the “Summer Music Program” where we encourage the children to listen to music and quietly work on their projects at the same time.  Music is used to calm and soothe children and to also engage and interact.  The children discovered their own “creative outlets” by looking through books and discovering projects, they could craft themselves.  I spearheaded this summer project and was pleased with the results as there is no downside to bringing music and fun activities together.  Music can enliven and enrich the lives of children and the people who care for them. 

Another major summer project I led with the children was “Building a Better World”.  The project entailed the children getting “crafty” and building their world from cardboard cutouts.  I love using cardboard for activities, as it is incredibly versatile and another way to fuel creativity and imagination.  The children built a “Seminole Library”, a school, a strip mall with many stores, and even a jail. This project was so amazing it was published in the Seminole Tribune.  It was a perfect activity to keep the kids engaged and helped boost their imagination and improve their motor skills. 

My major source of fulfillment is with my grandkids.  I have thirteen (13) grandkids and there is not enough time for me to tell you the joy these kids have given me. They provide an adrenaline shot that restores my energy, optimism, youthfulness and sense of purpose.  I love cooking and baking and sharing this with the grandkids and husband.  Having routines and traditions help children create lasting memories.  I have no idea how long I will be in my grandchildren’s’ lives, but I do hope that I can create memories with them that they have for the rest of their lives.  In what little spare time I have, I love to read.  I find reading to be relaxing.  I can’t just relax by sitting down and doing nothing because I’ll feel unproductive. When I read, I can feel both relaxed and productive. I love just sitting outside in my backyard and reading under the shade of a tree.  I forget about everything and am enveloped in the lives of the characters in the story.

Contact Dolores Lopez

Phone:  239-867-5303 - Ext. 16436