The face behind the shelves; a librarian's perspective

Karen Smith has been working at the Downingtown Library for over twenty years. Recently she was kind enough to allow me to invade her teen group and discuss my upcoming novel (among other things).

Many book lovers aspire to work among the shelves of a library -to have access to countless pages of literature -to inspire others to find the magic in books.  By tapping Karen's extensive experience in the field, I hope to open the window for those enticed by the lure of literature and allow them a peek inside.


What is your official position/title at the library?

 I am Program coordinator and circulation desk clerk.

How did you find the position? 

 I had returned to the States after teaching school overseas for 12 years and my sister told me the library was looking for volunteers. I applied and was hired instead of being a volunteer. At the beginning I only worked every other Saturday.

What is your favorite part of the job?

 I love talking to people about books and suggesting new authors. I read a wide range of genres and can usually suggest an author to just about anyone.

How are you handling the digitization of books? Does the library offer or plan to offer e-lending or something similar? 

Each of the Chester County libraries has seven Nooks that can be checked out just as you would check out a book. Each Nook has seven books loaded onto it. You can have the Nook for three weeks. The Nooks have a designated genre: science fiction, historical fiction, thriller, romance, biography, fiction and nonfiction. They have been very popular and are constantly circulating. Patrons can also download eBooks and audio books from the CCLS website.

Your library is heavily involved in community offerings and events. What are some of the more enjoyable/successful events run at your location?

  A very popular adult program has been the Introduction to Tai Chi with 24 participants. Our Ghost Hunting program is also a crowd pleaser.

Can  you tell me more about the ghost hunting?

We have had several paranormal groups come through the building and "look for ghosts". After they have assembled their findings they come and speak. Each group seems to find something different but they all have found evidence of friendly spirits. The house was built in 1800 and was part of the Underground Railroad. It was also a school and a boarding school and a doctor's office. Many people have passed through the building.

Come see me! Local speaking event!

Well, it's official.  You can come see me at my first pre-release speaking engagement on March 7th. Details below.  


I contacted the director of my local library's teen readers group (via their facebook page) a few months ago and Karen Smith, the program coordinator invited me to speak to her group. I dropped by to meet Karen (she is incredibly nice!)  and introduce myself. Since then, the director of marketing for the library has contacted me for information to accompany a press release about my speaking engagement, which she will send to the local papers. Upon hearing this, I was surprised and delighted that they seemed to be as excited as I am about the event. And are even going so far as to promote the event, which is amazing!

The library is located inside this beautiful historic building right in the heart of Downingtown.  They run loads of great programs all year round for readers of all ages.  Don't be fooled by its commonplace appearance, they're really on the ball when it comes to community offerings. 








So, if you're interested, here is a short list of topics I may discuss (depending on time and interest -I can empathize with the attention span of the typical teen because it is quite similar to my own)




Since the group is teens, I plan on discussing a bit about my book, the how-to's of publishing, publishing in the digital market (peripherally depending on interest), current popular titles (The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner etc.), maybe a bit about blogging and social media depending on responsiveness, teen literacy and what can be done to help others who struggle with reading and writing, maybe a bit on peer critiquing, websites for Teen writers and readers. I'll have a power-point presentation to keep it visual and some games and prizes as well.

If anyone has any suggestions or topics they'd like to hear, comment away! I always appreciate input.


Here are the details:


When: Wednesday, March 7th from 6:30 to 7:30 
Where: The Downingtown Library. 330 East Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA

Register:(610) 269-2741 -Due to space limitations you MUST call and register
so they can make sure there is sure there is enough room for everyone.




If you're local, come on by! (but don't forget to register!)




Just in case you were wondering, the Downingtown library is part of the

Chester County Library system, which boasts eighteen locations in the

county.