Library Limelight: Leslie Marinelli, Communications Manager

Library Limelight is intended to be a quick read to help FCPL patrons get to know our librarians, staff, and volunteers. We hope you enjoy learning about the people who make our libraries great!

Name            Leslie Marinelli       

Position         Communications Manager

Location        Headquarters

Where is your hometown?

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and really miss the Primanti Bros. sandwiches. Oh, and my family. 

How long have you been at FCPL?

Four years. 

What other jobs have you had at FCPL?

Youth Specialist (aka Children’s Librarian) 

Why did you choose to work in a library?

I’ve always loved reading and writing, but I discovered I had a hidden talent for reading aloud and making kids laugh the first time I volunteered as an elementary school Mystery Reader. I then became a school library volunteer where I got to experience the thrill of connecting kids with their next favorite books. I also truly enjoy the Zen of sorting and shelving books. 

Describe your job in five words or less.

Connecting, problem solving, writing, designing, presenting.

What is unique about your job?

The Communications Manager role is a brand new position at FCPL, so I’m charting my own course at the moment. That’s the good and bad news. Having been a Youth Specialist at FCPL for nearly four years was a great foundation though for knowing our patrons, our processes, and our purpose in the community. 

What is your favorite part of your job?

I’ve only been doing this for less than a month, so my favorite parts right now are learning new technologies and forming relationships in the community. I reached out to a local media contact the other day and discovered she is the wife of my oldest son’s 2^nd grade teacher. I have lived, worked, and volunteered in Forsyth County for 18 years, so connections like this happen all the time and are always a bright spot in my day.

What’s the most interesting place you’ve lived or traveled?

Leslie spelunking with two of
her kids, Vincent and David.

I studied abroad for a semester in Spain, and was a student teacher in Mexico City, but the most interesting (and exhilarating) trip of my life was a Cub Scout spelunking and camping trip a few years ago in the Cumberland Caverns of McMinnville, Tennessee. I’m extremely claustrophobic, so I still can’t believe I lived to tell the tale.  

What are your hobbies?

My husband and I take our rescue puppy, Birdie, for lots of walks and hikes so she’ll be too tired to chew everything in our house. I also love classic movies, comedy, crafting, gardening, and publicly embarrassing my three children.  

What are you reading right now?

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (Ashley from Post Road recommended the series on Bookmarked). Historical Fiction is my favorite genre. 

Paper books, eBooks, or audiobooks?

Yes, please. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I am really enjoying my new role and feel like it’s the perfect fit for me, but I do miss getting to see all the kids and grown-up patrons at the Post Road Library every day! Anna and Steve just don’t give me as many hugs and high-fives as kiddos like Asher, Lily, and Nirvaan.