I've known Sara for 10+ years. She's been my best friend for probably all those years. We volunteered at the public library in our home town in the summer's growing up, which is how we met. We went to junior college together and then eventually worked together (in different departments) at the library. She's a country girl and funny and just plain fun.
Interview!
1. Tell me 6 things about yourself. I'm creative and love to craft. I always have a book or a book
app with me. I hated to read when I was younger. I love the beach, but
love the mountains just as much. I love being outdoors camping,
hiking, biking, swimming. I want to travel the world and visit
different places.
2. How long have you been involved with the library? I started volunteering in middle school for the
summer reading program. My senior year in high school I got a job as a
page. Then Hurricane Katrina hit and I lost that job, but when they
reopened I got a full time job as a Youth Services Clerk and have slowly
moved up.
3. What's your job title? And what does that entail? Youth Service Library Assistant I (aka Library Lady, Ms. Sara, and
more). In my job I order materials, plan programs, and work with the
kids in the library. I have planned college workshops for teens,
holiday programs for school age, and I even work with preschoolers doing
story time at
day cares and other libraries. I'm also there to help with homework,
readers advisory, or working with organization to promote reading.
4. What do you like most about your job? Least? I think planning programs is the best part of my job. I love
working with kids of all ages and I have fun doing it. I love coming up
with programs for summer or Teen Read Week. My least favorite part of
my job is sometimes the children. I mean, if they are disruptive or have
behavior problems.
5. Why do you think children's and YA books are important? I think these books are important in teaching our youth even if
it's just a fiction book. It can teach politics, how to be a good
friend, how to step up in tough situations. I also think these books
are important to help them stretch there imagination.
6. Top 5 favorite authors? Recommend a couple books by them too please.
John Green- Paper Towns, Fault in Our Stars, and Looking for Alaska
Maureen Johnson - Name of the Star, 13 Little Blue Envelopes, and Girl at Sea
Ally Carter - Gallagher Girl Series or Heist Society
Series
Sophia Kinsella- Undomesticated Goddess, Can You Keep a Secret?
Janet Evanovich - Stephanie Plum Series
7. How do you feel about graphic novels? I think graphic novels are great books. I mean I have found so
many kids that now come into the library just to check out my collection
of manga, anime, or graphic novels. I love how they are remaking some
of the classic books in graphic novel format also. I find most of my
reluctant readers love them.