I received my undergraduate degree in Urban Education, as well as a master's degree in Library Science, from Kent State University in Ohio. Before landing in Kalamazoo, I worked for Cleveland's Cuyahoga Public Library system, at a small neighborhood branch library in Independence, a Cleveland suburb.
I have been the lead librarian at the Eastwood Branch Library for almost 5 years. Prior to that, I was the KPL bookmobile librarian and a children's librarian at the Oshtemo Branch Library. All in all I have been part of the KPL family for almost 29 years. I guess that what they say is true, time sure flies when you're having fun!
I am an avid animal lover and advocate, and support the work of various area animal welfare/rescue organizations. I particularly enjoy volunteering my time at local animal organization fundraisers, where invariable I get to meet a lot of new furry friends.
As to my own menagerie, my husband George and I are the proud owners of two rescued, absolutely Capital Cats named Cosmo and Julius, who happen to be brothers and are currently about 12 years old. We are also associated with (he vehemently protests the use of the word "own" in describing our relationship with him), a headstrong but adorable bunny named Benny, who we found abandoned near the KVCC woods about 3 years ago.
In addition to taking care of the animals in my life, my other hobbies include swimming (something I am obsessed with whenever weather permits), hiking, walking and of course reading!
I love to read adventure as well as animal nonfiction books, and fast paced mysteries are a guilty pleasure. In the latter genre, my favorite author is Michael Connelly and especially his character Harry Bosch, a no nonsense, brash, in-your-face detective. He's what "hard-boiled" is all about.
Despite my love of detective yarns, my most recent enjoyable read was Clapton by Eric himself.