Mary Eckerle is the director of the city I currently call home! I worked with Mary previously when I was in the Reference Department at the Marion Public Library. They have a wonderful facility with a unique feature – their Carnegie Library is now a museum. Among their treasures is a Crosley car which is on permanent display in the lobby. Mary has a passion for the library and the Marion/Grant County community and is very civic minded. She is fortunate to have a wonderful staff who are like an extended family.

PAULA: Are you from the area? If not, where are you from originally?

MARY: I am from South Bend. Moved to Marion from Harvey, Illinois.

PAULA: What inspired you to work in libraries?

MARY: I Love of books. Love of Children’s literature. Lots of years spending time in the LaSalle Branch Library in South Bend.

PAULA: What is your favorite thing about working for your library?

MARY: The library beckons all of us, there’s something here for everyone.

PAULA: What is your favorite book?

MARY: The Great Gatsby

PAULA: If you could have dinner with any three famous people in recorded history, who would they be and why?

MARY: Robert Kennedy because of his passion for peace. Eleanor Roosevelt because she seemed down-to-earth, and was a very smart woman. Also, Thomas Jefferson – he had so many things going – how did his mind work?

PAULA: What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?

MARY: Read; like to walk; love to bake and try every day to get more organized.

This blog post was written by Paula Newcom, Professional Development Librarian. For more information, contact the Professional Development Office at (317) 232-3697 or email statewideservices@library.in.gov.