PhD student in Curriculum & Instruction
Alia Jones wants everyone to read more books for fun. Alia graduated from the Library and Information Studies master’s program in May 2025, and is now a PhD student in Curriculum and Instruction. As you’d guess, she loves libraries and museums.
“I am encouraged by the joy, wonder, and learning that happens in these spaces,” Alia said.
She helps sustain spaces like these through her work as a children’s librarian. She also serves as a board member of the Association for Library Service to Children. In addition, Alia reviews books and interviews authors and illustrators for her children’s literature blog, Read It Real Good.
As a master’s student, Alia played a role in helping to bring the Ho-Chunk Nation’s first library, Waagax Hakiruxaraxara Hosto, to life. She worked with librarian and teaching faculty Cassy Leeport, librarian Leslie Falcon, and other students to build a library space in the Ho-Chunk Nation’s District 1 Community Center.
“It was really fun to tag onto the dreaming-work started by Ho-Chunk Nation citizens, readers, leaders, and elders and I’m grateful to have been a part of that experience,” Alia said.
Alia has also been part of what is now the Graduate School’s Bridge and Build Community series since 2022, attending luncheons and workshops with people who are now familiar faces.
“This community has sustained me over the years, providing a safe space to eat, laugh, study and learn with grad student peers from across campus and diverse disciplines,” Alia said. “I always tell new grad student friends that Bridge & Build is an incredible resource for fellowship and good food, then they tell their friends and the community grows and strengthens.”
And if you’re looking for the company of a good book? Alia wants you to know that audiobooks count as reading, too. “Check out the Libby app and connect your Madison Public Library and UW Libraries accounts,” she recommends.