Jen is another one of our clerks. When she is working, you will often find her behind the upstairs circ desk, helping patrons with a big smile. Jen has just recently come back from maternity leave - she gave birth to a daughter this past January!
Q: How long have you worked at Newark Library?
A: Just over a year.
Q: What made you interested in working at the library?
A: I have always loved visiting libraries, there is something peaceful about the atmosphere. As a parent, I have a great appreciation for the services that the library offers and enjoy bringing my children here. I thought I would enjoy working here as much as I enjoy visiting, and I was right!
Q: Tell me one interesting or unusual fact about yourself.
A: I was once very career-driven and never thought I wanted to have children. Interesting because, as most of you know, my children are my life and my career takes a major backseat to them. I suppose I am a good example of how life experiences can change someone. I wouldn't have it any other way!
Q: What do you like to do when you're not working?
A: In the summertime I love to be outdoors. We hike, camp, and golf. I was once an avid equestrian and hope to resume the hobby again someday. In the winter I mostly stay inside and read.
Q: What would you do if you didn't work at the library?
A: With unlimited funds and unlimited time, I would love to open a combined counseling center and animal rescue. I would pair humans and animals with similar past experiences (abuse, neglect, etc.) and help them heal together through animal-assisted therapy (I was a therapist in my pre-children, pre-library life and am a dog mom to two adopted dogs who were abused and neglected in the past).
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: "Oh the Places You'll Go", by Dr. Seuss. It sends such a positive message. We used it as the guest book at our wedding.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at the library?
A: Interacting with and helping other adults, both patrons and co-workers.
Q: As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: A firefighter. Some firemen came to visit my preschool and I was obsessed with becoming a firefighter for many years after.
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
A: My babies <3
Q: What fictional character best represents you?
A: Monica from "Friends". She can be a bit neurotic and sometimes misunderstood but she is also very caring and loves her family.
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: Australia and/or New Zealand.
Q: Favorite song at the moment/favorite band?
A: My current favorite song is "River Lea" by Adele. I would say my favorite musician of all time is Garth Brooks. My husband and I saw him live two years ago and it was the best concert I have ever attended.
Q: Pet peeves?
A: Ungrateful people. There is a lot of suffering in the world and even if you don't have much, there is a good chance you have something that someone else would give anything for.
Q: One thing you couldn't live without?
A: Chocolate! My vice for sure.
Q: If you were a superhero, what would your power be?
A: Healing. Having the power to help people who suffer both physically and emotionally would be an amazing gift.
Q: Who would play you in a movie?
A: Jennifer Aniston. Simply because I think she is genuine and believable.
Q: What's on your bucket list?
A: Mostly travel. There is a big world out there and so many awesome sights left to see, there are very few places I wouldn't want to visit.
Q: What is an ability you wish you had?
A: I wish I had a baseline knowledge of life skills such as home repair, auto repair, finances, etc. If I had the time I would love to take 100-level courses in these areas so I would not always have to hire/pay someone else to do things like change my oil, fix my leaky sink, or do my taxes.
Q: Favorite quote?
A: "The most important things in life are not things." - author unknown.
