Meet Ruben

Posted on October 14, 2020

by Latino Cultural Committee

The Library values the diversity of its staff and the culture and history they represent. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we invite you to get to know some of our Hispanic/Latinx staff members.

Meet Ruben, Custodian at Oregon Branch

Ruben loves to keep the mood light and fellow staff enjoy being around him. Recently, a few new hires had great things to say about him as he made them feel welcome during a holiday luncheon. This is not unusual as Ruben works well with all Library staff, not just those within our department.

On a personal level, I enjoy hearing Ruben talk about his family, and how much they mean to him. His strong connections to them help him thrive as a person and also keep his love of music very much alive.

— Mateo, Supervisor of Facilities and Operations

How long have you worked for the library? 16 years

What is your favorite memory/story or part of working at the library? Operating a snowblower in negative-degree weather.

Were you born in Toledo? If not, where and when did you or your family move here? Born and raised in Fremont, Ohio.

Where is your mother’s family from? Where is your father’s family from? Mother is from San Juan, father is from Brownsville, both in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

Have you ever been there? What was that experience like? We go twice a year.

What is your favorite family tradition? Having dinner every Thursday for over 30 years.

What is your favorite family recipe/dish/meal? Mom’s tamales, and my wife makes them also.

Who were your favorite relatives? My Uncle Jr. From Cleveland

Do you remember any of the stories they used to tell you? He would come to Fremont to drag race my Dad every weekend down an old country road. Sometimes winning but mostly losing.

What is your favorite place in Toledo? Maumee Bay State Park

What is your favorite Toledo restaurant? Texas Roadhouse

Even though there is a lot of stuff we don’t like about the pandemic, is there something your family has done during the pandemic that has been fun? A new tradition or a fun, safe event? Not really, we didn’t travel as much as we usually do. Next year, hopefully.

What is something that most people don’t know about you? I am a professional musician, playing Tejano music and have recorded 13 CDs. Started playing in our family band at the age of 14. Almost 40 years, until my father retired a couple years ago. But I am currently playing in a local band.

And now my boys are carrying the tradition learning the button Accordion and 12 string guitar.

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