Elementary Library Coordinator at the Hermiston School District

When and why did you move to Hermiston?

I am a Hermiston native, born and raised here. I left for 4 years to go to Western Oregon University and came back for a while. Most recently, I came back after being in Denver for two years where I completed my master’s degree.

What is your favorite place to eat in Hermiston?

About eleven years ago, I was diagnosed with Celiac disease and have to eat gluten free. Eating out is a challenge. I really wish that there were more gluten-free options in Hermiston! Fortune Garden does make a mean steamed vegetables, rice, and chicken and lets me bring in my own gluten-free soy sauce.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to go on walks with my dog Rudie, reading of course, and in the summer time I enjoy lap swimming. I do like to play the occasional game of golf, garden and hang out with friends.

What surprises you about Hermiston?

Why does Hermiston still not have a golf course? More seriously though, the growth. I know everyone says that, but it is true. Lots of changes from when I was a kid!

What was the last book you read?

Ummm how to answer that… I am always reading since I am a librarian. Right now, I am re-reading books from the Oregon Battle of the Books competition for school, since battles will start soon. I just read “Edge of Extinction: The Ark Plan” by Laura Martin. It ended on a cliffhanger so I had to get the sequel! The kids have really liked that one too. I do read adult books on occasion and the last one I read was “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern. It was fantastic! Highly recommend! Fiction is my favorite.

What website or app do you use most other than Facebook?

I use the GoodReads app a lot… Not surprising I know. But it is very helpful when looking for book recommendations, what book is next in a series and read-alikes.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

Right now, high on my list is Australia or anywhere tropical. I am all about warm tropical places with a nice beach!

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?

This is both funny and embarrassing and I haven’t really told anyone this before. I was home from college one Christmas break and I had borrowed my parent’s car to go to Tri-Cities and go to the mall. I parked, went in, did my shopping and when I came out I couldn’t find my parent’s car. I panicked, and thought it was stolen. I reported it to the mall security and eventually the police. I cruised the parking lots with the mall security and we didn’t see it. About an hour later, a Mall security guard found it. It hadn’t been stolen, I just had parked in a different place than I usually park at the mall and hadn’t paid attention. I was so embarrassed!

What is one of your goals for the next 12 months?

One of my goals is to continue to learn my job as the Elementary Library Coordinator for all five elementary schools here in Hermiston. It’s a big job, and I am constantly learning new things. My other more personal goal is to read 100 books in a year. We have only 3 weeks left in the year and I am at 96 books. Next year I hope to increase that number!

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment would probably be earning my Masters in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from the University of Denver. I moved to Denver (a big scary city for this small-town girl), not knowing a single person there and ended up making some lifelong friends and finished my program in two years.