Allison Escoto can’t remember a time without books. She can usually be spotted “along 5th Avenue and in Downtown Brooklyn”, but grew up in rural Louisiana as the child of two Honduran immigrants — and the worlds she read about in books were more than just a welcome indoor escape from the Southern heat and suburban monotony. They were also the foundation of an impressive 19 year career that catapulted Allison from her first NYC job at Barnes & Noble into the Queens public library system and to her current role as the Head Librarian at The Center for Fiction. Here, she tells us about what makes a good book, her penchant for vintage fashion, and how she protects her hair during early morning swims.
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on her morning routine
I’m usually awake around 5:30 am, but like to linger and read for about an hour before heading out the door for a morning swim at the gym. It’s a 10-minute walk for me, so I like to take my time and stroll through my waking neighborhood. I’ll usually shower there before walking back to my apartment to cook breakfast — always with a stop at Cafe Martin. Then I’ll walk to work. Since I love variety, I’ll take a different way each day. Keeps things exciting!
on her childhood and upbringing in suburban Louisiana
I grew up about 20 minutes outside of New Orleans in a suburb called Kenner. My parents are both immigrants from Honduras — they met and later married in the Bronx, but settled in Louisiana because my father, a Vietnam vet, visited there during his time in the army reserves and fell in love with the area. For most of my childhood, it was just me and my older sister. We spent a lot of time alone, watching a rotation of movies on HBO. My parents put us through Catholic school (though it didn’t stick!).
Louisiana is a very unique place, but the suburbs are pretty typical of suburbs everywhere. I knew even back then that I needed to get out! It was also so hot that it was hard to spend a lot of time outside, which is why reading was my favorite escape. After my parents divorced, we moved to Long Island to live with my grandparents — that’s how I ended up in the NYC area.
““I was a very early reader. I cannot recall a time when reading was not a huge part of my life. As I grew up, I knew that I was going to work in some capacity with books. I started writing in high school, mostly terrible poetry and short stories — but I loved it. I would keep a handwritten journal and write in it every day for years. I still have them! When it came time for college, I decided to study literature and creative writing.””
on how her time at college and how it shaped her future career
I went to a small-ish state school in upstate New York. It was a super liberal, neo-hippie college. I truly hated living on Long Island (suburbia, again!) and college was the best way for me to finally see more of the world. I got to know some really amazing people. So many artists, musicians, writers, and activists — the mid-90s was a truly special time to be young and free. College was also hugely influential to my future career goals; I worked in the library for three years. During that time, I started selecting books at random to read while shelving them in the stacks and that way discovered the writers and stories that would mean the absolute most to me in my life.
on her career trajectory and the social impact of libraries
When I first graduated, library jobs were on the verge of changing and my degree was really helpful in preparing me for the career I’ve had. My first job was at a trade school. I was hired as an indexer for a database company where I would spend all day reading obituaries and indexing the names. It was a really interesting job, but I wanted to work with the public. So I got a job with Queens Public Library and spent three of the most interesting years working with different communities in this borough — still the best in NYC, in my opinion. That job showed me the impact that public libraries and librarians have on a real grassroots level.
on common misconceptions about librarians
I have been a librarian now for 19 years and to this day, I still encounter people who say “Does anyone even use the library anymore?” I’d like to officially state a big, resounding YES! Libraries are the center of so many communities, especially in big cities like New York and small towns in the middle of America. Libraries are dynamic, relevant, and important and extend far beyond dusty bookshelves. Librarians hold Masters degrees and often specialize in rapidly changing technologies. And for whatever it’s worth, I have never shushed anyone!
on her favorite memory as a public librarian in Queens
I spent a little over a year working at the Corona branch of the Queens Public Library system — it’s a really active community and the library is a central part of it, particularly for families and kids after school. I led a poetry workshop for kids there and about a week after, one of them shyly came up to me to hand me a poem she wrote about sunshine. It made me tear up! I still have it. It really drove home that kids are still finding a place to be creative and learn at the library, just like I did when I was young.
on her start at the Center for Fiction
In 2017, I was living in Astoria and working at the QPL — definitely not looking to change jobs. Somehow, an ad for the Head Librarian at The Center for Fiction landed in my email. I read through it and sent it to my sister, Lorraine, saying “this sounds like a dream job for me”. But I wasn’t really thinking about applying. It was Lorraine who said “just see what happens. You don’t have anything to lose.” And she was right. So I applied, thinking I’d never hear back… and I didn’t! For about two months. Then I got a call for an interview. In November, I’ll have worked there for five years.
““A good book takes you outside of what you’re used to and transports you. Whether that means to a place or time you’ve never been, the mind of someone you’d never normally encounter, or a totally imagined world.””
on her favorite books
It is really, really hard to narrow down my favorite books so I’ll just list the ones I picked for the photograph! They are Heavy by Kiese Laymon, When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamin Labatut, A Little Devil in America by Hanif Abdurraqib, The Twilight Zone by Nona Fernandez, Life After Life by Kate Atkinson, and Indelicacy by Amina Cain. The last is a powerful novel for people who like spending time with introverts, thinking about art and creativity, and experiencing the inside of someone else’s mind. I really loved it!
on how the book world has changed since the early 2000s
The advent and expansion of the internet changed how we receive and organize information completely. Ebooks, online databases, internet based catalogs, 24 hour access… all of that revolutionized the way libraries work — it is a testament to the profession how librarians continue to adapt to these changes.
on writing and the role it plays in her life
I majored in English and Creative Writing in college, and it has always been a passion for me. I’ve journaled for most of my adult life and although reading has taken a more central role in recent years, I still find it cathartic and calming. I have been writing the same novel for many years now and I do plan on finishing it… I just have to read everything else first!
““Take every opportunity to learn more about the profession and to approach the career being community- and service-minded. The job is not to sit around passively and read books, it is to help people access the information and services they want. Take every chance to learn and grow and keep that in mind, no matter where you are in your career. The most successful people I’ve known in my life always approached every job or task with that attitude, and it takes you far.””
on her beauty and health routine
I’ve basically been doing the same routine and wearing the same style of makeup since I was 16. I’m a big fan of making everything simple with as few steps and products as possible. One non-negotiable is that all products I use have to be cruelty free. I swear by Bare Minerals Smoothness moisturizer, Thayer’s lavender facial toner, this Benefit eyebrow pencil, e.l.f. Holy Hydration face cream with SPF, and their Luminous Putty Primer. I use Clear Conscience solution for my contacts and because I swim a lot, I love Aqua Guard hair defense as a protection against harsh chlorine exposure. It really works!
on her love of film
I was basically raised by movies and TV. I like films from so many different eras and genres, but I gravitate towards quiet, introspective ones with fewer characters at the center. In recent years I’ve loved the Oslo trilogy (Reprise, Oslo August 31st, The Worst Person in the World), and I’ve revisited a lot of Ingmar Bergman movies. Having said that, I’m also a late-to-the-party Marvel fan, enjoying catching up with all the storylines and mythology of those films. I’m basically open to seeing most movies! One of the best times of my life was when I lived a block away from a tiny indie movie theater on Long Island that would allow you to see all the movies for free if you volunteered. I was at every single screening for two years and it was amazing!
““I moved in order to have an easy commute and be able to walk to work. Brooklyn is great, but Queens remains the best borough to me. I’ve lived with my sister on and off throughout my adult life. She’s my best friend and we strike a balance between hanging out and giving each other space.””
on her personal style
I have, from a young age, been obsessed with clothes. A few years ago, I made the decision to buy primarily second hand and am fortunate enough to live in a place where the options are plentiful. I wear something different every day, and have cultivated an exhaustive dress and skirt collection — mostly with pieces from Leslie Fay or Lady Carol. I love anything from the 60s, 80s, or 90s. Pencil dresses, bright colors, patterns, and big shoulders all the way!
allison’s favorite spots in New York
Restaurants: I love La Vecina in Astoria and Tacos al Suadero in Corona.
Store: Loveday 31 in Astoria is my favorite for vintage fashion.
Bar: High Dive in Park Slope.
Café: Cafe Martin in Park Slope is amazing.
Movie theaters: The cinemas at BAM and Alamo Drafthouse in Downtown Brooklyn.
Museums: The Museum of the Moving Image and Lewis Latimer House in Flushing.
Cultural venues: Forest Hills Stadium, Kings Theatre, and the Center for Fiction (obvi!)
images and interview by clémence polès