Library Limelight: Melissa Reed, Information Specialist

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: Melissa Reed

Position: Information Specialist

Location: Post Road Library

Melissa in Scotland a few years ago
at a New Year’s festival called Hogmanay.

Where is your hometown? 

Fort Lauderdale, FL

How long have you been at FCPL? 

8 years

What other jobs have you had at FCPL? 

I started as a CSA.

Why did you choose to work in a library? 

The library has always been one of my very favorite places. I got my first library card when I was four and have always felt like the library was my happy place. After graduating from college, I worked as a kindergarten teacher until I had my kids and decided to be a stay-at-home mom. When I made the decision to reenter the workforce, I decided to pursue another childhood dream of working in a library! 

Describe your job in five words or fewer. 

Books, helping, crafts, information, and FUN!

What is unique about your job? 

I never know what to expect! On any given day, I might teach a patron how to download eBooks, help a patron use our computers to apply for a job, show a high schooler and their parents how to access free online SAT or ACT practice tests, lead a crafting program and help someone discover a new crafty interest, or, of course, find someone that perfect book to take home with them.  

What is your favorite part of your job?  

I love being able to meet and help so many members of our community. And of course, I LOVE being surrounded by all of our books!

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

I have been very fortunate to travel to a number of interesting places, so it’s hard to choose! I’ve had many interesting experiences in my travels, including spending the night on a train, at sea, on a decommissioned aircraft carrier, and in a castle. But probably the most interesting experience I’ve had in my travels was when I visited Edinburgh, Scotland with my family a few years ago where we participated in their New Year’s festival called Hogmanay. We participated in a torchlight procession along the Royal Mile, enjoyed a street party and watched amazing fireworks over Edinburgh Castle, and then waded into the (freezing) River Forth on New Year’s morning. We have such special memories of these festivities, and the city of Edinburgh really called to me. I hope I will find my way back to Scotland again someday.

What are your hobbies?  

Reading, traveling, doing crafty projects, and enjoying the outdoors.

  

What are you reading right now? 

I just finished reading Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus and am getting ready to start my first Star Wars novel: The Princess and the Scoundrel by Beth Revis. I normally read mostly historical fiction and suspense/thrillers, so I’m excited to try something new!

Paper books, eBooks, or audiobooks?  

Usually, I’m a traditional paper book person. I love audiobooks on long drives and when I’m traveling I usually do eBooks.