When did you start working at EPL?
June of 2023
Earliest memory of being in a library?
I met Big Bird at the Granite City Library when I was two (1970). There was a picture in the Granite City Press Record of my grandmother and my cousins next to Big Bird. I still have it.
Would you rather only be able to whisper or only able to shout?
Whisper. I have yelled entirely too much in my life. My former students can attest to that.
What is your favorite aspect of working at the library?
This is my sixth library and regardless of what is going on, the library is always a happy place. Even if everything goes wrong on a particular day there is no way not to be happy when you are surrounded by books and people who love reading and learning. Books just never let you down. If I could I would give all libraries a giant hug of thanks.
What’s your favorite word?
Machinations
Favorite book genre/favorite book/favorite author
Hard to say, but near the top is a largely forgotten humorist from the 1930s that I love and everyone should seek out… Thorne Smith. Everyone should read Night Life of the Gods. Funniest book ever. One of his books was also the inspiration for Bewitched.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
Working on my music archive and writing.
Would you rather talk like Yoda or breathe like Darth Vader for the rest of your life?
I already breathe like Vader a lot of the time
Why should people visit the library?
Where else in the world can you come and find so many things to educate you and occupy your time? Books, magazines, A NEW VINYL RECORD COLLECTION, programs, a quiet place to sit and read or contemplate. In world of disruptions, noise, and distractions; to have a place where no one will bother you, interrupt you, or ask for an admission fee…why would you want to go anywhere else?