Library Limelight: Cristie Edmondson, Circulation Supervisor, Hampton Park Branch

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

Cristie Edmondson
Circulation Supervisor
Hampton Park Library

Where is your hometown?

Cumming, GA

How long have you been at FCPL?

12 years

What other jobs have you had at FCPL?

I started at the Cumming branch. I was a part-time Circulation Assistant, then a full-time Circulation Assistant, and ended up as the Assistant Circulation Supervisor before moving to Sharon Forks. At Sharon Forks, I was the Circulation Supervisor. I currently hold same position at Hampton Park, where I've been for the last few years.

Why did you choose to work in a library?

Having worked for a marketing company prior to coming to FCPL, I wanted something that had more direct, daily interaction with people. I enjoy customer service and getting to know the people I help on a regular basis. It is a great feeling to help people of all ages find what they need and to see them leave happy. 

Describe your job in five words or less.

Always something new! 

What is unique about your job?

It is never the same, every day is something new. New books, new questions, new patrons, new staff, new volunteers. It remains interesting and rewarding daily. 

What is your favorite part of your job?

Honestly, I love many aspects of my job, the people I work with, and our patrons. One of my favorite things is being here on storytime days. The excitement the little ones have on those days is truly an absolute joy to see.

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

While we do travel often, we do not go very far. We go to Florida and Tennessee frequently, but we spend as much time as we can on the Georgia coast. We have found as a family that we are the happiest there. Something about being on an island and the sound and sight of the ocean is so relaxing and calming and feels like home to us.

What are your hobbies?

I tend to spend my time following whatever my kids have going on. With three girls, we are always busy doing something between sports, chorus and drama. If you ask my husband, he would say my hobby is planning trips, especially to the beach. He’s probably right. 

What are you reading right now?

The Magnolia Story, I love nonfiction!

Paper books, eBooks, or audiobooks?

Paper.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

One of my favorite quotes that I have learned to live by is “Collect moments not things.”

Staff Picks - Adult Fiction

Glory Over Everything by Kathleen Grissom

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Belgravia by Julian Fellows

Most Wanted by Lisa Scottoline

The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion

The Last Mile by David Baldacci

The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes






Leslee Peltier-Joseph
Cataloging Specialist

Art Contest for My First Library Card Begins Today

Local children have an opportunity to build a better library card this summer, thanks to the My First Library Card Art Contest sponsored by Forsyth County Public Library and Canton-Woodstock-Cumming Macaroni Kid.

The contest runs from May 1 to June 30 and is open to children in two age groups: Pre-K through 5th grade and 6th through 12th grade. Entry forms are available online and at the Ask Us desk inside all FCPL branches.

“This year’s summer reading theme is ‘Build a Better World’ and so many of the children’s activities we’ve planned focus on using creativity to solve problems, build models, and create works of art. Inviting young patrons to create My First Library Card designs is such a natural extension of that theme,” explains FCPL Program Manager Laura Bradley.

The summer reading theme is “Build a Better World.” Many library programs for children will focus on using creativity to solve problems or make works of art.

Prizes will be awarded for the winning design in each age group. Pride will also be part of the prize, as the winners see their creations printed on My First Library Cards when the designs are unveiled in August.

“The My First Library Card program offers our younger patrons an opportunity to choose a library card design they will be excited about using to check out books and materials,” says Bradley.

Amie Esposito, publisher of the contest’s co-sponsor, Canton-Woodstock-Cumming Macaroni Kid, supports efforts to encourage children to use the library both for fun and for studying.

“The Macaroni Kid mission is to help parents ‘entertain and exhaust’ their children by sharing fun activities, camps, events, classes, and programs. I believe in the work the library does to support children and families in our community with both fun and educational materials and programs,” says Esposito.

“Giving kids their own library card strengthens their interest in the library and encourages them to keep practicing their literacy skills. Giving them a card for kids that was actually designed by kids – that’s a wonderful way to tell children that they are welcome in the library,” adds Esposito.

For more information on the My First Library Card Art Contest or to apply for a library card, please visit www.forsythpl.org. For information on summer activities and programs for families, please visit canton.macaronikid.com.