Meet the Staff: Krista B.

 


How long have you worked at the library? 3 Months
 
How many items do you have checked out right now? 3

How many items are on your hold list? 3

 





What is your favorite book format (book, audio, mp3, e-reader, etc.)?
I love reading good old fashioned paper books. 

What is your favorite aspect of working at the library?
I love seeing the children developing a love of books. I also love being introduced to so many new books that I otherwise would have never known existed.

Have your reading habits changed since working at the library? If so, how?
Yes, I work in the Children's library, so I find myself reading (and immensely enjoying) a lot more youth and juvenile books.

What is your perfect reading environment?
Sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee nearby and a cat on my lap. 

If you were stranded on a desert island, what single genre of books would you want with you?
This question is difficult. I guess I would be practical and bring some realistic fiction about people who have been stranded on desert islands. That way I would have both a fictional story as well as survival tips.  

What was your favorite children’s book when you were a child? What is your favorite children’s book now?
As a child, I loved the poems in Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. My favorite children's book now is We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen. This book makes me laugh every time I read it.

Before you worked here, what was your worst library transgression?
The occasional overdue book.

Meet the Staff: Jason R.

How long have you worked at the library?
About 3 months now.

How many items do you have checked out right now?
I’ve got one ebook out through Cloud Library, and I’ve got one paperback checked out as well.

How many items are on your hold list?
Nothing right now.

 



 
What book can you read again and again without losing interest? Why do you still read it?
It’s fairly rare for me to reread a book, but I have read The Fall of Reach by Eric Nylund a few times. It is just really well-written science fiction.

If you were a literary character, who would you be and why?
I took a quiz once that said I’d be Atticus Finch, due to a strong sense of morality and justice.

What aspects of the library do you think are underutilized?
I think some of the digital resources are underused. Cloud Library and Hoopla are fantastic, and many people do not know they can manage their account on our website.

What is your favorite book format (book, audio, mp3, e-reader, etc.)?
I’ve grown to love e-readers. I still like the feeling of having a real book, but I mostly read on e-readers simply because I always have my phone in my pocket.

What is your favorite aspect of working at the library?
I really enjoy helping people find a book, or a piece of information they’ve been looking for.

What is your guilty reading (or listening) pleasure?    
I really enjoy the cheesy military science fiction stuff from the 80s and 90s. It is all over the top and silly, but I find it entertaining.

What books do you feel guilty for not having read?
I haven’t properly finished Harry Potter. I think I stopped half-way through The Half-Blood Prince.

Have your reading habits changed since working at the library? If so, how?
Not really, although I have been picking out more fantasy novels.

What is your perfect reading environment?
A quiet room with a comfy couch. 

If you were stranded on a desert island, what single genre of books would you want with you?
I’ll take all those military sci-fi novels. Or maybe I’d finally start reading through The Wheel of Time series.

What was your favorite children’s book when you were a child? What is your favorite children’s book now?
There was quite a few I liked growing up, but I still think Love You Forever by Robert Munsch is great.

Before you worked here, what was your worst library transgression?
I’m sure I lost a book at some point growing up.

Meet the Staff: Kaylee G.

 

How long have you worked at the library?  
4 months
 
How many items do you have checked out right now? 
15 

How many items are on your hold list?
None, because I need to get through all the books I have out first. (And because I just checked out the four that were on hold for me, as if I didn’t already have enough.)


 


What book can you read again and again without losing interest? Why do you still read it?
Either Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey or The Host by Stephanie Meyer. Both tell unique stories or have unique solutions to common tropes while also being overall enjoyable to read. 

What is your favorite book format (book, audio, mp3, e-reader, etc.)?
Book because I love the feeling of holding a physical copy of the thing I’m reading, though I’ve started reading some e-books lately because of the convenience.
 
What is your favorite aspect of working at the library?
Helping people find new books to enjoy!

What books do you feel guilty for not having read?
The Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo. It looks really interesting, but it’s set in the same universe as a series that I just couldn’t get into. 

Have your reading habits changed since working at the library? If so, how?
Technically, yes. In high school, I consumed entirely too many books, but while I was in college, it slowed down dramatically, so now I’m finally getting back into the habit of reading more.

What is your perfect reading environment?
Somewhere comfy with music playing in the background 

If you were stranded on a desert island, what single genre of books would you want with you?
Fantasy

What was your favorite children’s book when you were a child? What is your favorite children’s book now?
Red Is Best by Kathy Stinson. I don’t think it’s changed after all these years.

Meet the Staff: Hannah M.

How long have you worked at the library? 5 months

How many items do you have checked out right now? 14

How many items are on your hold list? I think, 2

What book can you read again and again without losing interest? Why do you still read it? 
Virginia Woolf’s The Waves. I love the language it uses. When I was making artwork, this is how I wanted my photographs and films to feel- magical, and powerful, and clear. I like the way it makes me think when I’m reading it and directly after… It feels like pure perception, and always makes me notice more.

What aspects of the library do you think are underutilized? 
Our digital resources- I love our newest one- Kanopy. It has some really wonderful films, as does Hoopla. Lynda and Mango are great for learning new skills and languages… If only we had limitless time and boundless energy to enjoy learning everything offered!

What is your favorite book format (book, audio, mp3, e-reader, etc.)? 
Book, for sure. I like to be able to flip through and see what’s coming up, what’s happened, and the overarching format at a glance.

What is your favorite aspect of working at the library? 
I really enjoy being around all these people excited about reading and expanding their knowledge. It’s inspiring. I’ve also come to feel a bit like a filter feeder while I’m there- All these great books float past me as they get checked back in. I’m constantly pulling things off the re-shelving carts to take home with me.

What is your guilty reading (or listening) pleasure? 
I don’t read as much as I used to (or should). If I have free time, I’m usually making something while listening to a lot of podcasts- some with less merit than others. Some of my favorites are Answer Me This Podcast, The Allusionist, and No Such Thing As a Fish. They’re a little bit ridiculous, full of fascinating tidbits, and always put me in a good mood.

What books do you feel guilty for not having read? 
 Please don’t fire me: I’ve never read the Harry Potter books… any of them... eek! 
 
What is your perfect reading environment? 
Riding on public transport, when my destination is a long way away. I feel so efficient and so justified- getting reading time in while there’s nothing else that can be done. I also love reading in waiting rooms, to the point where I’m a bit sad when they finally call my name.
 
If you were stranded on a desert island, what single genre of books would you want with you? 
Books on art and artist monographs, hands down. I should say survival books, but it would be nice to be inspired with art and ideas while I was stuck there.

What was your favorite children’s book when you were a child? What is your favorite children’s book now? 
I loved Linnea in Monet’s Garden - (and I wanted to dress like her). Also, The Rainbow Goblins - it scared me to pieces, and I loved it! Favorites now: Iggy Peck, Architect; Rosie Revere, Engineer; and Ada Twist, Scientist. The rhymes are so clever, and they’re great stories!

Before you worked here, what was your worst library transgression? 
I am a late turner-inner, and I’m sad to report that that hasn’t changed much since I’ve started working here. Three weeks just goes by so fast…

Meet the Staff: Randoph H.

How long have you worked at the library? Three months.

How many items do you have checked out right now?  Zero

How many items are on your hold list? Zero

What is your favorite book format (book, audio, mp3, e-reader, etc.)?  

Actual book. I like holding the book in my hands, turning the pages, even the smell of the paper.

What book can you read again and again without losing interest? Why do you still read it? 

Blindness by Jose Saramago. It is an amazing book with an interesting even frightening look at people and humanity. None of the characters in the book have actual names, instead they are referred to as things; like the old man, the Doctor or the Doctor’s wife. The latter is actually one of my favorite characters of all time. The world falls apart, even her personal life, and she holds things together for those she cares about and gets them through it. It is an odd combination of cynical and hopefulness.

 

What is your favorite aspect of working at the library?  

I just enjoy being here. It is more a matter of what isn’t my favorite, which would be hard answer too.

What books do you feel guilty for not having read? 

Hum, there are a few on that list; The Grapes of Wrath, War and Peace, Roots, The Canterbury Tales, Moby Dick. But in fairness I tried to read Moby Dick and it just kept putting me to sleep. I should give it another whirl I suppose. And I am sure there are many others I really should read but just haven’t.

What is your perfect reading environment? 

A nice quiet space with good lighting, you know kind of like the library. Then again I laugh a lot when I read, so maybe home is better so as not to disturb other patrons.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what single genre of books would you want with you? 

That is a tough one. My taste in books varies a lot. So I think I’d want survival books and how to books. Such as; how to survive on a desert island, how to build a sail boat, how to sail, and how to navigate by the stars. Then I could get home and read whatever I want.

What was your favorite children’s book when you were a child? What is your favorite children’s book now? 

We had a book at home with a bunch of Mother Goose stories in it. I loved to read that book and look at the illustrations. It seems to have disappeared over the years which is a pity. If I still had it or knew the exact title it would still be my favorite. I guess I should look it up, so that it can be again.

Before you worked here, what was your worst library transgression?

I can’t think of one. I suppose when I was in elementary school I kept a book or two past their time, but I don’t have a clear memory of it.

Meet the Staff: Candice G.

How many items do you have checked out right now? 1 item 

How many items are on your hold list?  No current holds

If you were a literary character, who would you be and why?

I would be Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter Series. I love her quick wit and style.

What aspects of the library do you think are underutilized? 

The Genealogy Center

What is your favorite book format (book, audio, mp3, e-reader, etc.)?  

Hard-Cover novels

What book can you read again and again without losing interest? Why do you still read it?   
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. The novel explores the relationships between immigrant mothers and American born daughters in a complex and caring manner.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what single genre of books would you want with you? 

Mystery

What was your favorite children’s book when you were a child? What is your favorite children’s book now?  As a child, my favorite book series was the Boxcar Children Mysteries. As an adult, my favorite children’s book series is the Junie B. Jones collection. 

What is your favorite aspect of working at the library?  

Discovering new book series and films.

What is your guilty reading (or listening) pleasure?     

The Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series by Alexander McCall Smith

What books do you feel guilty for not having read? 

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Have your reading habits changed since working at the library? If so, how?

My reading habits have improved since I’ve been working at the library. I have made a conscious effort to substitute television time for quiet reading moments.

What is your perfect reading environment? 

A quiet room with a glass of sweet tea.

Before you worked here, what was your worst library transgression?

Bending the corners of pages in borrowed novels.

Meet the Staff: Elizabeth R.

 
How long have you worked at the library? About 2.5 Months

How many items do you have checked out right now? 2
 
How many items are on your hold list? 0

 





What book can you read again and again without losing interest? Why do you still read it? The Catcher in the Rye - I love the voice of Holden. It always keeps me interested.

If you were a literary character, who would you be and why? Hermione Granger. I love the HP universe.

What is your favorite book format (book, audio, mp3, e-reader, etc.)? Book

What is your favorite aspect of working at the library? The awesome coworkers
 
What books do you feel guilty for not having read? The Bible
 
What is your perfect reading environment? In a coffee shop or in my room.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what single genre of books would you want with you? Fantasy
 
What was your favorite children’s book when you were a child? What is your favorite children’s book now? A Series of Unfortunate Events. Now it's Harry Potter.

Meet the Staff: Robin B.

How long have you worked at the library? Since September, 2017
 
How many items do you have checked out right now? I have 9 items out currently.
 
How many items are on your hold list? I just picked up 2 tonight. I have 2 more pending. 

What book can you read again and again without losing interest? Why do you still read it? Though I haven’t read it for a few years, I have re-read The Hobbit several times. I was in elementary school the first time and went back several times as I grew and my perspectives changed.
 
What is your favorite book format (book, audio, mp3, e-reader, etc.)? I like hard back books the most, though format won’t limit me. I enjoy the tactile experience of holding the book and turning the pages. 

What is your favorite aspect of working at the library? The people. The staff are warm and friendly. And our patrons are remarkable people. I really feel a part of the community here. 

What is your guilty reading (or listening) pleasure? I like to listen to audio books while I am driving. I drive @ 100 miles per day most days. I recently listened to a presidential historian and felt (just a little bit) guilty when my mind drifted from the topic. Of course it is always more important to pay attention to the road.
 
What is your perfect reading environment? Curled up in my big chair with a dog or cat or both. I enjoy the sunroom in summer and by the fireplace in winter.
 

If you were stranded on a desert island, what single genre of books would you want with you? Survival guides with emphasis on edible plants.
 
What was your favorite children’s book when you were a child? What is your favorite children’s book now? When I was little, I read Humm, The Singing Hamster by Catherine Bing over and over. A Children’s book that I have enjoyed more recently is I Love You the Purplest by Barbara Joosse.
 
Before you worked here, what was your worst library transgression? I had the flu last year and wound up with crazy overdue materials and fines. It was very stressful!! I felt so relieved when I was able to come in and rectify the situation.

Meet the Staff: Dawn H.

How long have you worked at the library?
I started here in August, so about 3 months. I did work at another library for a few years prior, so I have experience in this setting.

How many items do you have checked out right now? 5 books, 1 audiobook. That’s actually kind of a small amount for me.

How many items are on your hold list? I have 3 things requested right now, but I use Goodreads to keep a running list of books that I want to read. I think I have 300 something books on there right now that I am interested in.
 





What book can you read again and again without losing interest? Why do you still read it? I rarely reread a book. I have so many that I want to read that I almost can’t justify spending time on a book I’ve already read. That being said, I’ve read all the Outlander series books twice and those are some doozies. It’s a great story. I reread it because it was being made into a show and I wanted to be more familiar with the plot line.

What aspects of the library do you think are underutilized?
I don’t think enough of our patrons know that they have an account with our system and can access it through our catalog.

What is your favorite book format (book, audio, mp3, e-reader, etc.)?
I love the feel, sound, and smell of a traditional book. (nothing like new book smell) I do use an e-reader when traveling so I don’t have to lug around books and will listen to an audiobook while driving from time to time. The narrator can make a break a book for me though.

What is your favorite aspect of working at the library?
Being able to talk about books, genres, and subjects that I’m interested in with like- minded people, co-workers and patrons both. Also it is super satisfying when you help someone find a new genre or author and they end up loving it.

What books do you feel guilty for not having read? Basically any of the classics. (shame on me)

Have your reading habits changed since working at the library? If so, how?
My reading habits haven’t really changed. I’ve been an avid reader my whole life and was very familiar with libraries and book stores. I know where to find the books I want to read.

What is your perfect reading environment? A slightly chilly overcast day, a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and a great book. And plenty of uninterrupted time. I have a toddler so that is hard to come by.

What was your favorite children’s book when you were a child? What is your favorite children’s book now? The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf and Stone Soup by Marcia Brown. They are coming out with a cartoon movie about Ferdinand that I’m excited to see and take my son to see.  




I read to my son every day and one of our favorites has been, The Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle.

Meet the Staff - Allie B.

Posted by Allie B. 

How long have you worked at the library?
For about 3 months now!

How many items do you have checked out right now?
Umm….about 15. I have a lot of books out for school. I, Tituba by Maryse Conde, Emily Dickinson books…I also have a book checked out about the spirituality of the Yazidis.

How many items are on your hold list?
I think I have 3 items on my hold list—2 fiction (a Dr. Who book (Forever Autumn) and In the House Upon the Dirt Between the Lake and the Woods by Matt Bell.

What book can you read again and again without losing interest? Why do you still read it? Oh, that’s a hard question and I could pick plenty of books, but I would have to pick The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. It’s a mash-up telling of the fictional and historical Dracula, with two interweaving stories in its narrative. It’s well-written, intense, but long (it’s 500 pages, at least) novel, but definitely worth the read.
If you were a literary character, who would you be and why?
Hands down, Jane Eyre from Charlotte Bronte’s novel of the same name, Jane Eyre. Jane is awesome because of how brave she is, because she sticks to her principles despite whatever hardships life throws at her.

What aspects of the library do you think are underutilized?
I think the digital components of the library are definitely underutilized. The app Hoopla is an amazing product – they have current comic issues in digital format, audiobooks, movies – all for free, and can check out 6 per month. Right now I am listening to Old Souls, a non-fiction book about reincarnation, by Tom Schroder and a lecture by American Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman.

What is your favorite book format (book, audio, mp3, e-reader, etc.)?
I am a huge fan of audiobooks, particularly radio dramas. One of my favorite audiobooks is actually in our catalog – John le Carre’s The Looking Glass War. It’s about the British home and foreign intelligence service during the Cold War, and what human aspects impact and mold the war.

What is your favorite aspect of working at the library?
The atmosphere. The staff here is pretty helpful and nice, and accommodating in the sense that they will take the time and have the patience to show or help you with anything you need instruction in.

What is your guilty reading (or listening) pleasure?
Oh, probably still reading children’s books.

What books do you feel guilty for not having read?
War and Peace

Have your reading habits changed since working at the library? If so, how?
Yes. I read more thoroughly now, as well as in larger chunks of time.

What is your perfect reading environment? Dead quiet, lying down, with my cat near me.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what single genre of books would you want with you?
I would want to bring either some sort of folklore/ghost story/or mythology book with me.

What was your favorite children’s book when you were a child? What is your favorite children’s book now?
I have a lot…I loved the Animal Ark series, particularly the Animal Ark: Hauntings series. The series follows a young girl, her friend, and the girl’s parents (who are veterinarians) as they deal with the struggles, surprises, and joys that come with being animal doctors in England. I also loved the Goosebumps series, especially the “Choose Your Own Fate” books. My two favorite children’s books now are Bunnicula and D'Aulaire’s illustrated Greek Mythology book.

Before you worked here, what was your worst library transgression?
I did not pick my library books at one time...they had been on “hold” for me for a while.

Meet the Staff: Emily W.

Posted by Staff
 

How long have you worked at the library? 2 Months
 
How many items do you have checked out right now? 11  

How many items are on your hold list? 15  
What book can you read again and again without losing interest? Why do you still read it? The Holy Bible because every time I open it I learn something new.   

What aspects of the library do you think are underutilized? I would guess our digital selection through Hoopla, Zinio, or Cloud Library.    




What is your favorite book format (book, audio, mp3, e-reader, etc.)? A book in my hand will always be my favorite but I do enjoy books on CD especially when it is the author reading the book.  

What is your favorite aspect of working at the library? I love the atmosphere. I worked retail for a long time and I love how happy both employees and patrons are to be at the library.  

What is your guilty reading (or listening) pleasure? A Steampunk mystery with a hint of romance.
 
What is your perfect reading environment? I like to read outside when the sun feels warm on a Spring or Fall day and in the shade on a hot Summer day.  

If you were stranded on a desert island, what single genre of books would you want with you? Mystery
 
What was your favorite children’s book when you were a child? What is your favorite children’s book now? I loved the Choose Your Own Adventure books. My kids and I really enjoyed listening to the Land of Stories (Wishing Spell) by Chris Colfer on CD. We can’t wait for the next one!

Meet the Staff: Mary B.

Posted by Staff 

 

How long have you worked at the library? Almost 2 months

How many items do you have checked out right now? 2

How many items are on your hold list? None at the moment 

What book can you read again and again without losing interest? Why do you still read it? 
A Man Called Ove by Frederik Backman - I just love it!!
 



What is your favorite book format (book, audio, mp3, e-reader, etc.)?
Book - I still like holding a hard copy in my hand!

What is your favorite aspect of working at the library? All the books, and discovering things I'd like to read based on patron reviews.

What is your guilty reading (or listening) pleasure? Mystery - anything by Louis Penney

Have your reading habits changed since working at the library? If so, how?
Not much, except I want to read even more than I already do!

 
If you were stranded on a desert island, what single genre of books would you want with you?
Fiction
 
What was your favorite children’s book when you were a child?
Magic Elizabeth by Norma Kassirer

Before you worked here, what was your worst library transgression?
I've always had a healthy respect for libraries, so no transgressions to report.