Deb Hall
Library Assistant II
Fig Garden Regional Library

28 years.

How would you describe your current job?

I work at the very busy Fig Garden Library. I spend most of my time at the circulation desk, helping folks with their checkouts, account questions, and requests.  For me, though, the most important part is helping them feel at ease and greeting them by name.  In a world that’s sometimes very impersonal, it gives folks an emotional lift when you remember them.

Where is your hometown?

I was born in Selma, but grew up in Fresno.  Despite its challenges, I’ve come to love my hometown.  People are friendly here, and there are a lot of great people working to make Fresno a better place.  The library makes a big contribution to that effort, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

What is your first library memory?

When I was attending Sequoia Junior High, I was kicked out of the library for talking too much.  A friend, who fancied himself a future lawyer, offered to represent me—a defense I didn’t ask for.  I knew I was guilty.  It was funny and very dramatic.  Typical junior high stuff.

What was the first book that you read?

Little Black, A Pony by Walter Farley.  I still love this book.  I gave a copy to my niece, Shannon, who grew up with horses and started riding at age 3.  Little Black was one of the first books she read.  Now a Texas teenager, she’s moved on to other things, but this is still one of my most cherished memories of her. It’s a wonderful thing to pass on a much beloved book to someone you love.

What was your very first paid job?

I was a carhop at Wilkins’ Drive-In in Selma.  My Uncle Curly owned the place, and it was kind of a rite of passage for the Hall and Wilkins kids to work there.  I was kind of awkward as a teenager, and I accidentally dumped an iced tea in a guy’s lap one summer.  No tip for me.

Why did you decide to work for the Library?

My first Fresno County job was with the Sheriff’s Department.  Even though I’ve never regretted the experience, I’ve also never regretted leaving.  When I wondered, “What’s the most civil and positive place I could work?” the Library came to mind.  That was in 1984.  It’s the best move I ever made.

What do you like most about working at the Library?

I most enjoy being a part of a staff that provides a warm and welcoming environment for our customers.  I also enjoy promoting the wide variety of programs that our staff has created.  When I hear comments like, “Wow! The library has everything,” and “This is a really great community meeting place,” I know we’re doing things right.  Promoting the library as the best deal in town is what we do best.

What is your most memorable accomplishment during your library career?

In January of 2011, I started a Children’s Self-Defense program.  A year later, How To Protect Your Kids From Child Predators was born.  Leading these programs are Bruce Whitsitt, a martial arts black belt and Joan Newcomb, a retired FCC and CSUF instructor.  Twice a year, they both share their knowledge, and KNOWLEDGE is POWER.  Something as simple as a family password can save a child’s life. 

I was nominated in April 2012 as a Library Star during National Library Week, by a family who was empowered by these programs. My favorite poster reads, “It doesn’t matter what kind of house you live in or car you drive.  It matters only that you make a difference in the life of a child.”  I hope always to be able to do that in some way.

What are you reading now?

I prefer non-fiction, especially about people overcoming adversity.  I just finishedVoluntary Madness: My Year Lost And Found In The Loony Bin by Norah Vincent. And I’m savoring Seeking Peace: Chronicles Of The Worst Buddhist In the Worldby Mary Pipher, and Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya.  The outstanding play really made our Big Read book come alive for me.

What book became a guilty pleasure read for you?

For fun, I return to any Earl Emerson mystery, most recently Catfish Café, featuring my favorite Seattle P.I., Thomas Black.  I love his smart-aleck wit, and his ethics.  Emerson’s mysteries serve as great guidebooks for Seattle tourists, and having nearly been born there, it’s fun to imagine growing up and making a life in the Emerald City.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?

Scout, from To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.  It was my favorite movie as a child and teen, back before VCRs, when it was shown once a year.  It was a big deal if I missed it, because I really identified with her.  Scout was an inquisitive, sometimes trouble-making, smart-mouthed tomboy, and so was I.  And her heart touched mine.  The innocence of a child exposed to very adult issues, being able to see clearly what adults couldn’t see, is what makes the book a timeless classic. I adored Scout, Jem, and Dill, identified with their antics, and found their fascination with Boo to be familiar. There’s a misunderstood person in every neighborhood.

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

Taking The Long Road Home.  I think that would best sum up my life’s journey so far, and I tend to travel that way, too.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I’ve had a lot of variety in my life that has served me well.  Music was my passion as a child, teen, and young adult.  I was a drum major in high school, played the oboe in orchestras and concert bands, and enjoyed a couple turns with the Fresno Philharmonic in the mid-70’s.  I was a Fresno Sheriff’s Department Correctional Officer in the early 80’s, and stood across the bars from Clarence Ray Allen, the last person executed on California’s death row.  I’ve done a lot of public speaking on issues close to my heart, and in the 90’s, I volunteered at Chowchilla Women’s Prison. 

A teacher told me years ago that I’d learn something lasting from everything I did, and that I’d come back to those lessons throughout my life.  I didn’t believe it then, but it’s true.              

If you could throw any kind of party, what would it be like, and what would it be for?

I’d organize a Greatest Generation Memories Reunion, something my cousin and I have talked about doing.  Our parents are all gone, but the common thread of their wisdom runs through all of us Baby Boomers.  Their philosophy of “taking life one day at a time” is a powerful reminder in times like these.  Honoring them through shared stories and great food would be the focus of the day.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I’ve always wanted to play the drums.  In the 60’s, girls didn’t play percussion.   And then Karen Carpenter came on the scene.  “Hey, girls really can play drums.”  

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you want to meet?

I’ve never set my sights on meeting any one person, but I love the ability of music to change one’s mood, so I treat myself to an occasional concert.  I’ve seen Dave Brubeck, Arlo Guthrie and family, and have met Pat Metheny and Janis Ian.  I hope to make a Joan Baez concert someday.  There’s nothing like a live concert to put a spring in your step.

What is the best dish you can cook?

I’ve been known to make a mean meatloaf, but I’m not keen on leftovers.  “Cooking” is what Trader Joe’s and Fresh & Easy are for.

What’s the best vacation you ever took? 

In the late 80’s, I took a 2-week solo motorcycle vacation on my BMW R80ST.  I rode Hwy 49 through the Gold Country, visited friends and family up north, and then headed to Monterey.  I came back home over the Coalinga Hills Road, one of my favorite rides.  Back then, people were curious about a woman on two wheels, which made for some interesting conversations along the way.  Had I been in a car, I would have been invisible.

Which electronic device do you use most often?

Do flash drives count?  I live pretty much gadget-free, but I wouldn’t mind owning an iPad.  I’m still wowed by what these devices can do.   To my non-techie mind, it’s magic.  But I’d still rather have a book in my hand. 

What is your favorite breakfast cereal?

Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Loaded Fruit & Nut Granola.  Now that’s a mouthful.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Coconut Pineapple or Pistachio Nut.

When I’m not at work, you can find me?

Reading, listening to Giants baseball, at the gym, at a Tai Chi class, or taking in a movie.  But most enjoy spending time with my nieces and nephews: Krista, Corbin, Conrad, Shayna and Alexa Marie.  They keep me grounded, entertained, and reminded of what’s most important in life.

Samantha Kister
Library Aide
Sanger Branch Library

How long have you worked for the Library?

How would you describe your current job?

What do you like most about your job?

Where is your hometown?

What is your first Library memory?

What was your very first paid job?

Why did you decide to work for the Library?

What is your most memorable accomplishment during your Library career?

What are you reading now?

What book became a guilty pleasure read for you?

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

If you could throw any kind of party, what would it be like?

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

What is your favorite breakfast cereal?

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Which electronic device do you use most?

If you had to live in another country, which would you choose and why?

What is the best dish you can cook?

What's the best vacation you ever took?

When I'm not at work, you can find me...

What's your six-word memoir?

Krista Riggs
Librarian
Woodward Park Regional Library

How long have you worked for the Library?

How would you describe your current job?

What do you like most about your job?

What was your very first paid job?

Where is your hometown?

What is your first/favorite Library memory?

What is your most memorable accomplishment during your Library career?

What was the first book that you read or that you remember being read to you?

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

Why did you decide to work for the Library?

What are you reading now or what titles are on your reading list?

If you could throw any kind of party, what would it be like and what would it be for?

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

What book became a guilty pleasure read for you?

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?

Which electronic device do you use most?

What is the best dish you can cook?

What is your favorite breakfast cereal?

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

What’s the best vacation you ever took?

If you had to work on only one project at the Library for the next year, what would it be?

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

What’s your six-word memoir?

When I’m not at work, you can find me…

Wendy Eisenberg
Librarian III, Supervisor
Sierra Gateway Cluster

How would you describe your current job?

I’m in charge of a group of 30 wonderful, hardworking, fun people who staff six library locations known as the Sierra Gateway Cluster: Clovis, Cedar-Clinton, Mosqueda, Auberry, Big Creek, and Shaver Lake. It’s great to learn about all these wonderful Library branches, their staff, their communities and their customers. I particularly enjoy my trips to the mountains (except when the weather’s bad!)

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I have played piano since college and once was the keyboardist and flutist for a rock band formed by my brother. It was a blast!

What was your very first paid job?

I was a waitress at The Salvation Army’s Camp Redwood Glen for several summers. It didn’t pay much, but it was very enjoyable. The camp setting in the Santa Cruz Mountains was beautiful.

Why did you decide to work for the library?

I got my Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy and spent several years working in that field. However it soon became clear that it wasn’t where I wanted to be for the rest of my life. I sought guidance from a professional career counselor who helped me figure out that librarianship was a perfect fit for me. I got my Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science and haven’t regretted it. Working in the Library’s Reference Department was my first full-time librarian job and I loved it. Then I became supervisor of the Talking Book Library for the Blind until I took charge of the Sierra Gateway Cluster of branches last year.

What is your most memorable accomplishment during your library career?

I am proud of the 12 years I spent at Talking Book. I was part of a wonderful program – promoting its services through outreach activities and getting to know the local community of people with disabilities. It was an amazing experience to steer the change from cassettes to digital talking book cartridges and downloadable talking books. Talking Book will always be close to my heart. And yes, I still have and use my Talking Book player.

What is your first/favorite library memory?

I’ve always been a reader! My childhood library was the San Bruno Public Library. We went there frequently and I remember learning a lot about different kinds of books. I recently found a picture of my first official library “job” as an assistant in that library when I was in junior high.

What was the first book that you read or that you remember being read to you?

I have no idea—there were so many—but I do remember *listening* to a record that had the story of Cinderella on one side and the story of Thumbelina on the other.

What are you reading now or what titles are on your reading list?

I am currently reading Forgiven by Karen Kingsbury in print and listening to An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon on Talking Book. On my reading list are Code Name Verity and Gone Girl (both recommended by friends) and I’m rereading the Karen Kingsbury Baxter Family series.

When I'm not at work, you can find me.

At home with my husband and son, at my son’s karate practices, at church choir rehearsal, participating in the Order of the Eastern Star, or many other activities!

Kao Her
IT Analyst,
Central Branch Library

How would you describe your current job?

I spend most of my day collaborating with colleagues, creating and updating valuable information on the Library’s website. I also help plan and promote upcoming events for the website.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I am a pretty good cook. I like taking classic recipes and making them my own by adding different spices and swapping out ingredients. I find inspiration from everything around me and go along with what feels and tastes right.

What was your very first paid job?

I worked at Taco Bell in high school. It only paid minimum wage at $4.75 an hour, but I guess for being a high school kid, it was better than no money. Plus I got to work with some of my best friends so the time tended to fly by.

Why did you decide to work for the library?

It's actually a funny story. In college, I started hanging out at the Gillis Branch Library when I found out that a girl I liked worked there. (She is now my wife.) The staff started putting me to work because I was there so much. When a Library Assistant position opened up in the West Fresno branches, I was asked to apply and I did and got the job. Ten plus years later and I’m still here!

What is your most memorable accomplishment during your library career?

Over the last 10+ years, I’ve worked at several different branches and worked on so many activities. I think the most memorable thing I ever did was window painting and face painting. I had the opportunity to paint the windows at the Gillis and Cedar-Clinton branches to promote library programs. Recently I was part of the team that won the PR Excellence Award from the California Library Association for the Fresno County Public Library's event, "The Big Read: Jack London's The Call of the Wild."

What is your first/favorite library memory?

I remember walking the three blocks from home to the Gillis Branch Library with my brothers and sisters. We would always check out books and look around the library then go to the convenience store next door for some ice cream before walking home.

What was the first book that you read or that you remember being read to you?

I’m pretty sure that it was a Hmong folktale that was either read and told to me by my grandfather. However, I do remember the first book that I fell in love with. It was The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, which was read to me in the first grade. 

What are you reading now or what titles are on your reading list?

I’m really interested in health and nutrition right now so anything in that area, especially publications from Men’s Health Magazine based on the Eat This, Not That series of books.  I currently subscribe to Maximum PC and Wired Magazine. I'm also reading quite a few textbooks right now because I am taking classes to remain up-to-date on the technology trends.

What's the best part of your job?

I feel like I am a part of something great for our community.  In my current role, I have the opportunity to see and help promote the many resources and programs that we are fortunate enough to provide for our community.  As a taxpayer, it makes me feel reassured that my money is well-spent.

Where are your roots?

I was born in the jungles of Laos when my family fled from the brutal aftermath of the Vietnam War into Thailand. There is a picture of my mother carrying me on her back in an issue of National Geographic. We were being loaded onto a large truck with other families heading to a refugee camp after we reached Thailand. My family came to the U.S. from the refugee camps sometime in 1980 when we were sponsored by a nice family in Denver, Colorado. We moved to California and eventually settled in Fresno, where I started kindergarten and learned English. I graduated from Fresno High in 1998 and went to Fresno State, receiving my Bachelor’s Degree while working at the Cedar Clinton Branch.

When I'm not at work, you can find me.

Relaxing and traveling with my beautiful wife. (Oh yeah, and also practicing being a Ninja).

Jeanne Johnson
Principal Librarian,
Branch Services Manager

How would you describe your current job?

I supervise a group of very dedicated people who are giving their all to provide quality services throughout all the branches of the Library.  I also have the pleasure of working with the Administration Team and have admiration for this group in their efforts to steer our library toward the future.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I was a friend of an infamous Fresno murderer.  His name was Max Franc and he was my professor when I attended graduate school at Fresno State.  I also knew him as a customer of the Politi Library where I worked in the 1980s. I was shocked to read the newspaper when he was arrested.  When the judge handed down his life sentence, he called him a ”Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”.  I knew the Dr. Jekyll .

What was your very first paid job?

I babysat for .50/hour when I was a teenager.  During college I worked as a summer YMCA Camp counselor.  (I think the pay was $50/week.)  When I attended library school, I worked in the university archives for $1.65/ hour.  My first full time job was as a school librarian in Evanston, Wyoming.  My salary for this job was $7,200/year.

Why did you decide to work for the library?

I got a BA in history and did teacher’s training.  After completing my student teaching, I decided that I really did not want to become a teacher.  There was a library school at my university and it seemed like an interesting profession to pursue.

What is your most memorable accomplishment during your library career?

My most memorable accomplishment was participating in the first Big Read in 2006. We were one of only 7 organizations in the country that were picked to be in this pilot program to encourage a community to all read the same book.  That year it was To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I went to Washington DC to the National Endowment for the Arts training.  After the conclusion of the grant, I was invited to go to New York City to Carnegie Hall and it was announced that the Big Read pilot project was a big success and the program was going to be continued and expanded.  We’ve held a Big Read nearly every spring since then.

What is your first/favorite library memory?

One memory was at the Leo Politi Branch Library.  We had no public computers back then and I decided to have a fundraiser to earn money to buy computers for Politi.  I gathered together a community committee to organize a historical fashion show and doll exhibit.  The Fresno Bee assisted us by featuring this program in the newspaper the day before it was to occur.  We had over 350 people attend the event and we were able to raise enough money to buy Politi its first two public computers.

What was the first book that you read or that you remember being read to you?

The first book I remember being read to me is Song of the Swallows by Leo Politi.  Isn’t it wonderful that I would then have so many great years working at the Library’s branch named in his honor, and also meet Leo Politi several times during his visits to Fresno?

What are you reading now or what titles are on your reading list?

In September, my husband and I visited Eastern Europe and Germany.  Since I returned home, I have been reading World War II memoirs.  I am currently reading Berlin Diaries, 1940-1945 by Marie Vassilchikov.

When I’m not at work, you can find me…

Attending community activities or walking my beloved beagles, Woody and Summer, around our Madera Ranchos neighborhood.

Russell Noland
Library Assistant I,
Community Bookmobile

How would you describe your current job?

I’m a part time Library Assistant 1 and Driver for the Community Bookmobile.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I play piano, guitar, mandolin, mandola, flute, pennywhistles, hand drums, bodhrán... etc. I’m founder and manager of the local Irish band, Songs 4 Pints, for almost 9 years. I just completed my first season performing with the Woodward Shakespeare Festival (2012) and picked up the mandola in two weeks. I grind my own homemade curries. I’m a certified massage therapist. And I can do the splits.

What was your very first paid job?

If you don’t count working on my family’s walnut orchard, then my first job would be working in my neighbor’s almond orchard.

Why did you decide to work for the library?

1. Books smell awesome.
2. I’ve always loved to lend people the right book they need at that moment – to just set it in their path and walk away.
3. The idea of grading papers at home did not sound pleasant to me.

What is your most memorable accomplishment during your library career?

I led two Team-Building Workshops at the 2012 Annual Library Meeting where we all formed a drum circle and created some great music together. November 28th will be my one-year anniversary working for the Library and I feel very honored to be entrusted with such a task.

What is your first/favorite library memory?

It’s not one specific book or one staff member that helped me. It’s just that feeling of walking into a sanctuary. It’s a sacred space. It’s like walking into a church. I didn’t understand it when I was little, but I remember feeling it.

What was the first book that you read or that you remember being read to you?

My parents had a set of children’s books that were all fictional stories about famous people throughout history. Every single one of them had an imaginary friend and a moral. Louis Pasteur stands out in my mind at the moment.

What are you reading now or what titles are on your reading list?

I’m reading The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman and going through that series. I have also assigned myself a lot of homework on learning more about Irish folklore. I’m considering incorporating storytelling into my band’s performances. I have several Joseph Campbell books lined up. I also read spiritual texts from any and every religion. Science books! So many subjects!

When I’m not at work, you can find me…

Practicing with my band, studying Irish Gaelic, watching Netflix, cooking dinner and enjoying an exquisite beer with my girlfriend, and packing a bag of books, my iPod, and riding my trikke (look it up) to a restaurant to read for a few hours.

Robyn Aguiar
Librarian,
Sunnyside Regional Library

Describe your typical day on the job.

My current job is Librarian at Sunnyside Branch Library. I am responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the branch and serving the Sunnyside community.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

Most people may be surprised to learn that I'm a bit of an Anglophile. I find most history, culture, and geography of England fascinating and I hope to take a vacation there next year.

What was your first paid job?

My very first paid job (besides babysitting) was as a hostess at Burger King.

Why did you decide to work at the library?

Before working for the library, I held many different jobs including Data Transcriber and Phlebotomist. When I was looking for a change, I wanted to work in a plant nursery or a library. This was in 1999 and the test for Library Assistant came up right away and I applied. I was thrilled to get hired and started at the Pinedale Branch.

What is your most memorable accomplishment during your library career?

My most memorable accomplishments may be some physical changes I made at Cedar Clinton Library where I have been for the past year. When new staff comes into a new location, they are able to look at the environment with fresh eyes and fresh creativity. Change doesn't always have to be a bad thing.

What is your first library childhood memory?

I remember using the school library when I was in Kindergarten and first grade. I adored the library and was an avid reader and I incurred fines, even then!

What was the first book you read or you remember being read to you?

Captain Kangaroo read many terrific books to me and one of my favorite was The Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack and Kurt Wiese. So I would say to parents not to discount others reading to their children whether in reality or virtually.

What’s on your reading list now?

I am an eclectic reader and the beauty of working in the library is being able to see a wide selection of material come my way. I am currently reading What Would Jesus Think by Mary Whelchel, recommended to me by another librarian. It's a life changing book regarding how our attitudes affect our actions. I have to say that while I like fiction very much, especially children's fiction, I love non-fiction and biographies.

When I’m not at work, you can find me… 

When I'm not at work you can find me gardening in my backyard, decorating the interior of my house, or playing with my grandson Seth.

Raelene Fleming
Senior Library Assistant,
Auberry Branch Library

Describe your typical day on the job.

I’m busy with customers, staff schedules, collection management, building maintenance - along with work for the committees I’m currently on like the Summer Reading Program “Dream Big” Pinterest account. And I enjoy working on the library website for kids!

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I think customers are surprised that I don’t read fiction. I’m actually a big non-fiction reader - arts, crafts, decorating. And I love children’s picture books. I enjoy the illustrations. I would love to write and illustrate books for little ones…maybe someday. In high school, I had a drawing displayed at the Fresno Art Museum. I felt very honored when my high school art teacher, Fresno artist Robert Ogata, chose my drawing for the exhibit, and also chose me as the recipient for the art scholarship when I graduated.

What was your first paid job?

Like many teen girls, I was a babysitter. It was a lot of fun and I got paid for it. This is when I first started reading to children.

Why did you decide to work at the library?

When we started our family, I would bring the kids to story time at the Auberry Branch Library. We were weekly library users. So, when the librarian asked if I was interested in working there I jumped at the chance. I was hired as a Library Assistant II in the mid-1980s. It was fun to fill-in when the librarian was on vacation or needed extra staff to help out. We moved out of state and returned in the late 1990s and when I heard there were openings again I applied. I was hired as a Senior Library Assistant in the Youth Services Division in 1999, and then in 2010, I was reassigned to the Auberry Branch Library.

What is your most memorable accomplishment during your library career?

During my time in Youth Services, I took over all of the youth graphics from our library graphic artist who was very busy. I taught myself how to use the Adobe Creative Suite software, and through the years created a lot of bookmarks, library literature, booklets, and all the publicity for our youth programs and outreach. I really enjoyed being in touch with my creative side.

What is your first library childhood memory?

As a young child, I can remember going to the Central Library and visiting the Doris Gates Children’s Library. I remember walking up the stairs on the west end of the building to the Sarah McCardle Room for a children’s program. I still have my original yellow library card from 1966 with my dad’s signature. When I came across the card a few years ago, I asked my dad if I ever lost a library book would he have paid for it. He answered no!  

What was the first book you read or you remember being read to you?

I can remember reading the Dick and Jane books in school, and I actually liked them. I see they have reprinted some of them and the Library has some of them if you’d like to reminisce.

What’s on your reading list now?

At this moment I’m reading Deliciously G-Free, along with other gluten-free cookbooks, Fabric-by-Fabric: One Yard Wonders, Homemade: 101 Beautiful and Useful Craft Projects You Can Make at Home, and other crafty, decorating books.

When I’m not at work, you can find me… 

These days, I’m probably at home with my husband doing our own version of Renovation Reality! But normally I love spending time with family, our three adult kids, their spouses, and children. So life is pretty full, and blessed indeed!

Shonda Graham
Library Assistant II,
Clovis Regional Branch Library

Describe your typical day on the job.

Along with my regular duties as a library assistant, I also coordinate children's story time and craft programs. My day can start out with story time for 0-3 year olds singing "If You’re Happy and You Know It" and end with an adult’s reference question about Fiji. You never know what you will learn in between!

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

That I can belly dance. There are so many different forms of dance that fall under the term of belly dancing.  I have enjoyed learning about the different customs and cultures that "belly dance".

What was your first paid job?

My first job right out of high school was working for the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), a state funded program to help people without work experience receive on-the-job training.  My job was to process the applications and call the employers to see how the applicant was working out.

Why did you decide to work at the library?

I came to work for the library by accident. After having my kids, I was a stay at home mom, so I would go to the local library a lot. The Senior Library Assistant there encouraged me to volunteer in the GAB (Grandparents/Grandreaders and Books) program and do a story/craft time in the afternoon for the school age kids. I could plan story times, create crafts and be surrounded by books. The perfect job!

What is the most memorable accomplishment during your library career?

I worked at the Central branch in the Doris Gates Children's Library for a number of years. There is something magical about reading to a child. One story time, I had a small group of 10 kids.  None of them spoke English and few of them spoke the same language. In time, using lots of books with pictures, and a weekly practice of writing letters and numbers, we finally made it through the sessions.  One day I noticed the kids were talking to each other with a little Spanish, Armenian, Hmong, Japanese, Thai, Hebrew, and English. They gave me a card they made. It said "Thank You. Because of your help, the children know enough English and how to write their ABCs and numbers to attend school.” I was proud to be a part of helping prepare these children for life.

What is your first library childhood memory?

I grew up in a small town in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana.  The only library was in the town of Natchitoches. The library was right next to Cane River.  I loved to go to check out a book and sit there to read, feed the ducks and watch the boats go by.

What was the first book you read or was read to you?

The first books I ever read were Harry the Dirty Dog and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.  The "Reading is FUNdamental" program came to my school and gave out books to the kids. I would make my brother and my parents listen to me read those books over and over. I started my storytelling career at an early age!

What's on your reading list now?

I’m reading the Scotty Bowers’ bio Full Service, The Steampunk Bible, Steamed: a Steampunk Romance, and I'm rereading the Scarlet Pimpernel. I'm a huge mystery fan.

When I'm not at work, you can find me...

On a family adventure!  We just load up, pack a picnic and explore the local mountains.  The foothills of Fresno County are as beautiful as any state park and they are right in my back yard and there is no admission fee. I love to find a rock in the middle of a rushing creek and sit and read a book!

Connie Urquhart
Innovation and Analytics Librarian,
Central Branch Library

Describe your typical day on the job.

My official title is Innovation and Analytics Librarian, which is basically a fancy way to say that I use numbers and technology to tell a story. It’s my job to look at our current statistics and meld that with library trends around the country to recommend new systems, or to find ways for our Library to be more efficient - all of which pays off in better service to our community.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

My parents owned 25 acres of land. I grew up riding motorcycles with my brothers all around our property.

What was your first paid job?

My dad paid me one penny for each slug I killed in his garden. When I had one hundred pennies, my mom took me to the store and I bought one hundred Swedish fish candies. I am now a vegetarian!

Why did you decide to work at the library?

I love the idea of equal access to information for everyone, not just for those who can afford it.

What is the most memorable accomplishment during your library career?

I co-authored a book called Risky Business: Taking and Managing Risks in Library Services for Teens.

What is your first library childhood memory?

I had my picture in the local newspaper with my local library’s mascot, a tiger named the Book Prowler. He was wily and clever, just like our own mascot, Kit the Fox.

What was the first book you read or was read to you?

I can’t remember a time when books weren’t part of my life. My mom is a voracious reader and taught me how to read in the car between pick-ups of my five older siblings’ various activities. I asked my dad to read The Little Brute Family by Russell Hoban just about every night before bed. It’s still one of my favorite books, and one of my fondest memories of my father.

What's on your reading list now?

I just finished The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and sobbed for a good hour. Now I’m reading The Flame Alphabet by Ben Marcus.

What's your favorite book?

On my Goodreads account, I currently list 72 books as my favorite! It’s too difficult to choose just one. I rarely read books more than once, but The Lover’s Dictionary by David Levithan is one that I will read over and over again.

What's the best part of your job?

I love finding new technologies that will benefit our library community. It’s so fun discovering what the world is doing and bringing the best ideas back to our Library, all via the Web!

Where are your roots?

Bellingham, Washington. Halfway between Seattle and Vancouver B.C., and one of the most beautiful places in the world.

When I'm not at work, you can find me...

At home! There’s no place I’d rather be.

James Tyner
Poet and Library Kung Fu Master
Senior Library Assistant, Gillis Branch Library

Describe your typical day on the job

In one word - Hectic.  I think many people assume library work is very slow paced, quiet, with lots of time for reading.  I can tell you that’s not the case at all. I often equate working in the library to knowing martial arts.  I call it Library Kung Fu.  It’s active, fast paced, challenging, but very rewarding.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I’ve published over 19 poems and won a number of awards. You can read some of my poems at Avatar Review and Winning Writers, as well as Coal Hill Review where I won the 2009 Coal Hill Review Chapbook Contest. I also have poems published in the following anthologies: The Working Poet and Autumn House Contemporary American Poetry. Here I am reading my poem Watching the News in Spain.

What was your first paid job?

My first paid job was at the Tower Super Market in the Tower District. I started off bagging groceries, but after a month, I was doing just about every job in the place. 

Why did you decide to work at the library?

As a young man, I traveled coast to coast and around the world – even living in Spain for a while. I  returned home looking for something with more stability. Library work sounded different so I thought I’d give it a try.

What is your most memorable accomplishment during your library career?

I love putting together library programs - everything from card games to poetry readings.  A few years ago, I developed a series of gaming programs - role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons.  In the space of a year, these programs were so popular we usually had 60 people show up. In fact, these gaming programs were so popular the gaming company Wizards of the Coast sponsored me at a couple of library conferences to teach other librarians how to start their own gaming programs.

Just last fall, I coordinated a very powerful poetry program entitled Legacy: The Mexican American Poetry Movement in Fresno. It featured Fresno poets Michael Medrano, David Dominguez, Marisol Baca, Kenneth Chacon, Blas Manuel De Luna, Maceo Montoya, and others.  People are still talking about it - the amazing poetry, all that incredible history in one room, and the great audience interaction.

What is your first library childhood memory?

My first visit to the library was with my Dad in Venice Beach, California. We discovered a huge stash of comic books in the children’s area. I was amazed that a library would have comics. I’ve been pretty much hooked on libraries ever since.

What was the first book you read? 

As a kid learning how to read, I found most of the books in school very boring.  Then I noticed a book with a monster on it, and a guy with a sword with a huge fleet of boats behind him. It was a children’s version of The Odyssey. I’ve been reading ever since.

What’s on your reading list now?

The Runaways - a graphic novel by Brian K. Vaughan.  It’s a new take on the super hero comic following a group of teens who find out their parents are actually super villains.  Even if you’re not normally a comic reader, you'll find this book mind blowingly good.

Phantom Noise by Brian Turner is a book of amazing poetry.  Turner is a local poet who served in the Iraq war, and many of his poems take place there. 

Some of my other favorites are The Crystal Shard by R.A. Salvatore - a book with great characters, action sequences and tons of heart to delight Hobbit fans everywhere. And one of my favorite poems is Two Pictures of My Sister by Dorianne Laux – a contemporary poem that will absolutely stun the reader.

Where are your roots?

I was born in Santa Monica, California, and raised in Venice Beach. I moved to Fresno when I was 12. My Mom was born and raised in Fresno and my Dad still lives in Southern California so both places are really home for me.

When I’m not at work you can find me…

Enjoying home life with my wife and baby.  But once a week, you can catch me gaming with friends at Crazy Squirrel game store. 

Nance Espinosa
Special Collections Librarian/Government Documents Coordinator,
Central Branch Library

Give us a snapshot of your career at the Library.

I started working part time for the Library in 1992 while attending Fresno State to become a teacher. I liked working at the Library so much I didn’t pursue teaching when I graduated. Instead I became a full time library assistant in the Government Documents and Reference departments at the Central Library. Eager to learn even more, I went back to school and earned my Masters of Library and Information Science in 2003.

After I graduated, I was the Caruthers Branch Librarian. Then I returned to the Central Branch to take over Government Documents from my mentor Karen Aughinbaugh who was retiring. I am currently the Librarian in charge of special collections including our William Saroyan materials, government documents, genealogy, magazines, California history and local history to name a few.

Why the Library?

I initially wanted to be a teacher in the traditional sense. But I found out the Library could be my classroom and I could teach life long learning right here. Also, I consider myself somewhat of a bibliophile. I don’t just need to read books. I need to surround myself with them. Kind of like the ocean. I don’t need to swim in it everyday, but I’d like to be close to it. And while it might sound dry and dusty to some, I am passionate about government documents and making this wealth of useful information more accessible to everyone.

Where are your roots?

I was born at Fresno Community Hospital. Since then, I’ve lived in a lot of different cities in California; places like Malibu, Mountain View, San Jose, Lee Vining, June Lake, Santa Cruz, Capitola, Goleta, Reseda, Torrance and Van Nuys. You could say I’m sort of a California gypsy!

What’s your latest up-and-coming project?

I’m very excited about our collaboration with the Pop Laval Foundation. Their collection of local history photographs is fascinating. Over the next year, we’ll work with the Foundation to scan 1,200 images from their collection and then add those images to the Library’s San Joaquin Valley Photo Heritage Project. It’s important these records of family and community life are preserved before they are lost forever.

What’s the best part of your job?

I get to learn something new every day. As a reference librarian, and now the Librarian for the California History and Genealogy Room, I help people find answers to their questions. In the process, I always end up learning something new. In fact, I just discovered that in 1950 Tarpey Village was named after Irish immigrant Michael Francis Tarpey who had a vineyard on Clovis Ave. between Gettysburg and Ashlan. He also founded the Fresno Irrigation District.

What’s your favorite book?

My all-time favorite is 1984 by George Orwell. No matter when you read it, the book raises issues we’re still grappling with today. It’s timeless.

What’s on your reading list?

I am currently reading Call of the Wild by Jack London since it’s going to be our book for the Big Read in the spring. That’s leading me to read books about the California Gold Rush and comparing it with the Klondike Gold Rush. My guilty pleasure is the Vampire Chronicles series by Anne Rice.