What do you do at the Gates Public Library?
Everything to do with computers, as well as about 50% on the reference desk. Maintaining staff and public computers, doing a lot of the technical work for building the virtualized public computer system, helping patrons and staff with computer questions, teaching patrons to use computers, familiarizing myself with new technologies, proctoring exams, E-Rate, determining the need for new equipment and purchasing it, and pretty much anything else computer-related.
What book has changed your life and how?
This is tough. I have read so many good books. I love all of Jane Austen, but my life outside the library revolves largely around animals and agriculture. A book that gave me a lot of new insight into my relationship with my horses was Centered Riding. As a child I read all of the Black Stallion books. Honestly, changes in my life don't come suddenly, but gradually, as I slowly gain new insights. What really has changed me is working at the Gates Public Library. Helping library patrons, especially teaching computer skills, has been tremendously rewarding, and I hope that I have learned patience and compassion.
What book made the biggest impact on you as a child?
This is also a tough one. As you can imagine, I read a lot of horse books as a child. I always liked the books by Marguerite Henry, especially White Stallion of Lipizza, the story of a young person who gets the chance to study at the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. I suppose that this was something I wished I could do. The only picture book I remember from childhood is Kiki Dances, about a little girl who takes ballet lessons.
You wake up to find your house is burning down. You only have time to save one object. What is it?
First I would focus on getting the dogs and house cat out safely. They are not objects, though. The object I would save is our wedding picture.
What is your spirit guide animal?
I have no idea, but I suppose that anyone who knows me would say the horse, specifically the Arabian horse. But I love all animals, and have cared for a great many different species. Many of them have been rescued and we adopted them. These include rabbits, iguanas, farm pigs, a potbellied pig, goats, dogs, cats, horses, chickens, ducks, and geese.
All of the titles under "Staff Recommendations" were selected by Cathy
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