What drew you to work in libraries?
My mom was an elementary art teacher and I wanted to be one too, but it involved too much cleaning. After college I worked at the Kohl Children’s Museum and spent a lot of time at the Evanston Public Library. That’s when the lightbulb went on and I thought, I could work here! Children’s librarians get to have fun with kids but there are no grades or parent/teacher conferences and a lot less cleaning.
Can you share a little about your previous role and what you enjoyed most about it?
I was a branch manager and led the Youth Services Team. As a branch manager, I enjoyed leading programs for all ages including Books on Tap, a popular book club that met at bars and breweries around town, and the Wisdom Cafe, a conversation series for seniors. Youth department people are the best people—fun, creative, and hard-working—and I’m proud of all we accomplished together. I also got to substitute for storytime occasionally, which is my favorite, and I’m looking forward to doing it more regularly.
What most excites you about joining the Glen Ellyn Public Library team?
The Youth staff are awesome and I’m enjoying being in a well-resourced library that has so much community support.
Is there a library program or project you’ve worked on that you’re especially proud of?
At the Washington Library Association conference in the spring, I presented Ukulele 101: Enlivening Storytime with Ukulele with a group of librarians. Participants got a ukulele to keep and we taught them a few songs. Library budgets were being cut, so it was uplifting to do something joyful.
When you’re not at the library, how do you like to spend your time?
I’m an avid thrifter and Goodwill is my happy place. I also like taking my dog on long walks at Blackwell Forest Preserve, playing the piano, and dragging my family along on outings.
