Are you from the area? If not, where are you from originally?
I’ve lived in Rockville since 1976, however I am originally from beautiful Brown County. As I like to say, specifically, the suburbs of Gnaw Bone.
What inspired you to work in libraries?
Between the order of a library and the multisensory experience books bring, a library is a very peaceful environment to me. When I learned of the available position at Rockville Correctional Facility (RCF) I knew that is where I wanted to be. Even though I had no previous experience in corrections, I knew I had found my vocational home. The ease of becoming acclimated to the position and the continued enthusiasm for it confirms my initial notion.
What is your favorite thing about working for your library?
I truly enjoy coming to work every day, and there are two reasons for that. One, I like working with the staff at RCF. While I am the sole staff member working the library I have constant interaction with other members. They are always helpful and supportive and can be a good release from the stress of working in this environment. And two, I believe in the services we provide to our patrons. It is not unusual for ours to be the first library some of the women have ever visited. It is so rewarding to watch both their confidence and reading levels grow as they become more familiar with the library and in finding satisfaction in reading for entertainment. This is a very rewarding job and I am blessed to have the opportunity serve here.
What is your favorite book?
As with almost everyone, there are so many books I like – to choose a favorite is difficult, if not impossible. But if I go waaay back, back to the little library in downtown Nashville, I’ll find one of my all-time favorite books – The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner. I still remember the daydreams that book fueled. How I wanted to stumble upon my very own boxcar that I too could live in. Never mind the fact that I lived in a county that didn’t even have a railroad track running through it! Years later, when I became the mother of two young boys, I couldn’t wait to read that book to them, and so many of the others in that series.
If you could have dinner with any three famous people in recorded history, who would they be and why?
In chronological order I would choose Paul, from the New Testament, Pres. Abraham Lincoln and Pres. George W. Bush. I would like to discuss with Paul the difficulties he talks about in his New Testament books concerning our desire to do right and yet we choose to do wrong. I think we all wish we could cease our less desirable traits and become a better person. I would like to talk with Pres. Lincoln about many aspects of his presidential tenure, but specifically about his second inaugural address. Since reading the inscription years ago at the Lincoln Memorial, I have occasionally thought about his words and his effort to have the people understand that both sides were praying to the same God, asking for the same thing – to be victorious in the war. That it was not a time of celebration but rather one of sadness in that the war ever had to take place at all. Lastly, I would like to know the private thoughts and emotions that consumed Pres. Bush during the 9/11 crisis. For him to stand strong with the nation’s eyes upon him during such a tragedy, when undoubtedly, he was as frightened and heartbroken as all of us.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
Spending time with my friends, or family, while we’re shopping or on a day outing is one of my favorite things to do. However, my very-top-of-the-list thing to do is spending time with my three perfect grandchildren. Being ages eight, six and three they are full of life and every outing is a wonderful adventure.
This blog post was written by Amber Painter, Outreach Librarian. For more information, contact the Professional Development Office at (317) 232-3697 or email statewideservices@library.in.gov.