Larry Handy ’99, MLS, MFA, developed a profound sense of his voice as a writer at a young age. As a poet, performer, storyteller, martial artist, marathoner, and former caregiver, Handy has a plethora of stories to share. His career as a librarian is just one aspect of his vocation and calling. Through his creative endeavors and interaction with students, Handy strives to make every individual feel seen, embracing their God-given qualities.
Originally from Monrovia, California, Handy recalls passing Azusa Pacific University during car rides on his family’s way to church. Growing up in a small house of worship, Handy was tasked with delivering a few sermons at just 15-years-old, which established a great foundation for public speaking. He was also interested in folklore, and Handy attributes his refinement in storytelling and performing to the skills he learned in school. Throughout that season, Handy briefly expressed his interest in writing to his peers. His English teacher devoted a lot of time to mentoring Handy, which cultivated the seed that would flourish in college. He was drawn to APU’s Christ-centered education, and as an eager teenager, he applied during his junior year of high school. In 1995, Handy began studying English and philosophy.
Handy’s experience at APU was marked by discovering a community of artists and honing his skills to realize his calling. Reflecting on the memories that have stuck with him most over the years, he fondly recollected spring 1997, when his band, Totem Maples, performed for the first time. At a monthly talent show, one of Handy’s friends who played guitar suggested he perform poetry behind the music. While hesitant at first, holding his handwritten poems against candlelight in a dim room filled with students, Handy grew to love performing poetry, shortly before spoken word became mainstream in Los Angeles poetry culture. Totem Maples still performs today.
After graduating from APU, Handy applied to work at the University Libraries and pursued writing anytime he could. “I loved working in the library as a student employee,” he said. In 2001, Handy was hired at APU as a cataloging assistant. Since 2008, he’s been the interlibrary loan coordinator. For the past 23 years, Handy has encouraged students’ academic and personal growth, working alongside them in any of their library and research needs to engage in deep discussions.
While supervising student workers in the library, Handy was inspired by their commitment to lifelong learning and chose to pursue more of his interests by returning to school. Handy earned an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of California, Riverside in 2012. His MFA lecture “When You Speak a Poem the Air Becomes the Page,” digs deep into the transcendence of poetry over time and place. He continues to immerse himself in poetry from different cultures, and finds common threads between the multiple roles poets possess in order to illustrate a perspective that is truthful and transformative. “Poetry is what I am. My stories are my poems acted out by my characters,” Handy said. He also received a Master in Library Science from Emporia State University in 2023.
Handy’s work as a librarian, as well as his managerial tasks with his band, strengthened his organizational and communication skills, which played a vital role in his simultaneous work as a caretaker. “Everything I’ve done in my life intersects,” he said. “God gave me all these passions and opportunities to strengthen multiple aspects of myself.” He was in the caretaking field for several years, taking care of his grandparents and elderly in need. Handy’s essay about taking care of his grandmother with dementia was nominated for a Pushcart Prize and received an honorable mention in Best American Essays.
Deepening connections with students and encouraging them to continue broadening their knowledge is at the heart of Handy’s role as a librarian. “One of the great things about libraries is that they’re about lifelong learning. You shouldn’t stop learning just because a class ends,” he said. “I don’t have to give students any grades. Instead I simply get to assist them along the way, and I’m grateful for that.” Through the many roles and endeavors Handy incorporates in his life, he touches lives by exemplifying Jesus’ traits of conviviality, service, and love.