Melissa Wooton
Childhood ambition: to be a veterinarian
First job: Volunteer - Summer job at Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo /Paid - Chucky Cheese Pizza
Proudest Moment: Quitting my job to pursue library school and my work in the Leading Edge Librarian Academy
Biggest challenge: Being a strong leader for my staff in the midst of the many changes, budgetary and otherwise, that libraries face today.
Inspiration: People I’ve met in the profession and/or worked with… too many to name.
Currently reading:
Twilight - Stephanie Meyer
Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert
Charlatan: America’s most dangerous huckster, the man who pursued him, and the age of flimflam - Pope Brock
Most surprising thing about being a librarian: The range of reactions I get when I tell people I’m a librarian, from incredulous (did you want to do this?) to the people who are passionate about the library and would fight to keep a branch in their neighborhood.
I love being a librarian because: I get to discuss good books with other people (staff & patrons) who love to read (and get good recommendations for myself). I am able to help people find the information they need, both informational and recreational (sometimes I’m even “magic” and can walk right to a shelf and pull the exact book the patron needs). I get to see children’s eyes light up when I spend 15 minutes sharing a story with them.