What are your earliest memories of reading and books?
My parents and grandparents read to me as a child, and as I grew older, they took me on weekly trips to the Alameda Children’s Library to check out books. To me this library was a magical place, full of wonderful books and displays to explore. When I became a Media Center teacher in the public school system, I remembered my early experiences in the
Children’s Library and tried to recreate that environment in the school library.
Do you enjoy “actual” books? Ebooks?
I read both, but prefer reading actual books because I can pause and flip back to reread specific parts, highlight sections and make notes. Ebooks are great for travel and they also allow me to enlarge fonts, allowing me to read for a longer period of time. I’m so happy our library has many options for
readers.
What are you reading these days?
I like to read historical fiction, biographies and mysteries of all kinds. I am currently reading a mystery series by Donna Leon, set in Venice, Italy. I also like to reread some of the classics I read in my youth — perhaps to gain a different perspective.
You are hosting a literary dinner party in your favorite Alameda restaurant. Which authors (alive, dead or
imaginary) would you invite and why?
I found this question very difficult as there are so many authors I would love to meet. Some authors are geniuses but may not be the best of dinner partners. I would invite George Eliot, Toni Morrison, William Faulkner, Margaret Atwood, George Orwell, Roald Dahl, and John LeCarre. Their combined life experiences would make for good conversation.
Tell us a bit about your personal involvement with the Friends of the Alameda Free Library.
I served on the Foundation Board for eight years. When the Foundation merged with the Friends of the Library, I continued to serve on the Friends’ board. We have a dedicated team of volunteers who work diligently to raise funds to support our library programs, technology needs, and the long term needs of the library.
What are your hopes for the future of the Alameda Free Library?
I hope our library continues to be an important resource for the community. It is wonderful to see programs for readers of all ages at all three branches. I hope our team of volunteers continues to grow. Volunteers are vital to the support of our library. There is a place for everyone!