Now that you've met Olney Library's intrepid information staff, we'd like to introduce you to some of our conscientious & caring circulation staff. You may know them as the "Checkout Desk" staff, who do the yeoman's work in processing all the books placed on hold and checked out every day. But not only that, they're skilled in many different areas, such as creating new library accounts, working with pages and interns, processing transactions and of course, shelving books. And they know the "ins and outs" of MCPL's computer system, so feel free to ask any library account questions you may have!
Below are profiles of 3 circulation staff. Others you'll see regularly at the checkout desk are Tom, Jolanta, King-Hwa, To Anh and Amy. Enjoy!
Theresa with some of
her favorite books
Theresa
"Lady" Theresa has worked at MCPL for more than 26 years, at almost every branch in the county! She got started in libraries because "someone told me I'd be good at library work since I love to read." In addition to her long-time experience, she's also a professional singer, having graced such grand stages as the Kennedy Center and Constitution Hall in Washington, DC. (And Olney Library has been very fortunate to have her perform in our recent "Open Mics"-- check out one of her memorable performances here.) Among her past experiences include work as a music agent, lobbyist, and US Census staffer. She enjoys working for MCPL for the stability it offers and all the interesting and colorful people she meets. She especially enjoys working at a community library, as "we are serving the community and they truly appreciate our services. We get to know the residents and they treat you like family." Theresa says it's "never dull at the library... things are always changing, whether people, new books or co-workers!
Favorite memory at the library: "I love it when little kids come in, especially when they get their own library card for the first time." Favorite non-fiction authors: Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, Eric Metaxas, Bishop Darlingston Johnson Favorite book: The Holy Bible, The Color of Water by James McBride Favorite TV shows: British comedy like Keeping Up Appearances, Downton Abbey and Doc Martin Favorite movies: The Miracle of Morgan's Creek, Ten Commandments, Mully Hobbies/interests: Professional singer with Encore, a singing group in the DC area. Also performs in plays and musicals theater, and loves country music.
Yesh
Yesh works hard and
does an "excellent job"
Yesh is Olney Library's aide. He started working at Olney in March 2015, and this was his first experience working in libraries. He was trained by Circulation Manager Joyce Edwards, who says, "He's been doing an excellent job." Yesh grew up in Alabama and moved to Maryland about 3 years ago. He likes Montgomery County for its "shopping and food stores" and enjoys trying out new restaurants and spending time in Washington, DC. As for working at Olney Library, he likes everything he does, especially processing customers' book holds. He enjoys working with Olney staff and even attending staff meetings! Read below to learn more about his favorite things:
Favorite TV shows:Friends, Big Bang Theory Favorite movie genre: Bollywood Favorite book: James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl New MCPL resource he's most interested in trying out: Kanopy Favorite pastime: Cooking Indian food with his mom
Sara
Sara with the towering
Royal Wedding cake she created
Sara has been working with MCPL for almost 5 years, starting at the former Silver Spring location. She helped open the new Silver Spring branch, and likes that it's "much bigger, has more natural light, and is very comfortable" compared to the old branch. Last year she transferred to the Olney Library. Although it's never easy leaving your old friends and colleagues, she enjoys working at Olney Library and finds the community "quiet and friendly." Plus, an added benefit is this branch is much closer to her home! When not working at the library, Sara indulges in her obsession: baking. She creates delicious and beautifully-decorated cakes, and because of this, has developed quite a following among family, friends and those lucky enough to have tasted her special desserts. The secret to Sara's cakes? "They're not too sweet." And as Olney and other MCPL staff can attest, they are unbelievably scrumptious!
Close-up of Sara's
beautiful creation
Favorite authors: Susan Mallery,Debbie Macomber Favorite book genres: Romance, drama, healthy eating Favorite movies: Hallmark Channel movies Favorite TV shows: The Great British Baking Show (she loves Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry), Cake Wars Hobbies/interests: Reading, travel (recently returned from a trip to England and Spain), Barbie dolls, watching soccer, and of course, the Royal Wedding! Also, "making edible decorations and flowers for my cakes."
