Get to Know Your Library Staff: Rachael

What is your job title?

Collections Librarian

How long have you worked at Strathcona County Library?

Almost three years

How would you describe your role at the library?

I oversee the digital and physical collections in the Adult Services department.

What's changed for your role since COVID-19?

Since the library has closed and many members of the community are staying home, there’s been a huge increase in people wanting to use digital resources. A lot of my work focuses on adding new resources (like Creativebug for streaming craft videos and patterns) and increasing our eBook and audiobook collections as quickly as possible! It’s exciting to offer these new and growing resources to our patrons.

What do you like best about your job?

I love the work I get to do with selecting titles for the library's collections. Who doesn't love reading and thinking about books?

What do you wish people knew about the library?

That we will help you with reading recommendations! Tell us about your favourite things and we’ll come up with some recommendations from our collection.

Which books or resources in the library do you find most interesting?

I am a huge fan of our digital learning tools. We offer access to online courses for all things computer and work related (LinkedIn Learning) and artistic (Creativebug). These streaming video courses are available at any time and you can watch as many as you like.

Tell us about one book/movie/album/magazine that you really love?

I love the miniseries based on Susanna Clark's hilarious novel Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (available on hoopla). Magic may be a powerful force, but it can’t change human nature, and this series makes the most of exploring what happens when the wild unpredictability of English magic meets stuffy 19th-century English manners.

When you're not reading you're...

Running after a toddler and three cats.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about yourself?

I love taking up new crafts! I'm currently trying my hand at rug hooking with a punch needle and am loving it. In the past, I've spent a great deal of time crocheting, and creating wire-wrapped jewelry.