Evania Thompson

Evania Thompson serves as the head of the children's department at the Mount Vernon Public Library in Mount Vernon, New York. She began her professional journey in the 1980s after earning her law degree from Albany Law School and her master's in library science from Columbia Library School in 1987, following her bachelor's from Hampton University, then known as Hampton Institute. Her extensive career has included roles as chief law librarian at the New York City Law Department for nine years, deputy at the LA County Law Library, law librarian at the College of the Bahamas for four years, and director of the Mount Vernon Public Library for three and a half years before transitioning to her current position. Thompson is a member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority and has contributed to her community through leadership as co-head and head of the PTA as well as through her sorority foundation's provision of children's books. She attributes her success to her dogged focus once she sets a goal, her ability to concentrate intensely, the quality of her education, and good exposure to diverse people and settings. Thompson advises young women entering the industry to get their education and enjoy the process of learning how to think, develop financial independence, own property if possible, pray, and know their limitations and place in the world.