Occupation: I am the Young Adult Librarian and Volunteer Coordinator at the C.H. Booth Library. I started September 25. It’s been great; I’ve been learning a lot about the collection and about the teenagers here. I’m going to be working on programming for teenagers and the Makerspace. I’m going to be wearing many hats, so I’m very excited.

When I graduated college from UConn I was a paralegal right after for about five years. A couple years ago, I decided to go back to school for library and information science. This past January, I started working at the Ridgefield Library in their Makerspace/STEAM-core area. I was working on programming there and working one-on-one with patrons to help them with the equipment. I was also working part-time at the White Plains Public Library as a library assistant in teen services.

Family: I grew up in Stratford, and my parents still live there. I’m the youngest of five and have a twin brother named Adam. I have a big family and most live in Connecticut. I actually have an aunt, uncle, and cousins who live in Newtown. Right now I live in Stamford.

What do you like to do in your free time? I like to read — that’s probably what all librarians say — but I also like to run. It’s a good way to get outside in nature. I like to write short stories and poetry, too.

Do you have a favorite book or author? Growing up I was really into J.D. Salinger, so I like Nine Stories and The Catcher in the Rye. Other than those, I feel like my tastes are always changing. I’ll read anything.

What is your favorite travel destination? I want to travel more in the future, but this past May I went to Nashville, and it was probably my favorite trip I’ve ever taken. It’s a really fun city with a lot of music. I definitely want to go back there.

What is the best part about Newtown? The library is my favorite part so far. I’ve been really impressed by community engagement and how everyone is involved and interested in what’s going on. There’s a lot of community pride.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My mother, especially in terms of me getting into librarianship. She was the one who used to take me to the library growing up, and we’d go to Story Time at the Stratford Public Library. She was actually the person that suggested I go into the field. That’s professionally, but I’m also very close to her. She’s my biggest influence.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? I would want to hang out and relax with my family. I feel like its really hard to take a day off and just spend time with everyone.

Who is your favorite musical artist? I’m a huge Taylor Swift fan. I get made fun of about this, but I love Taylor Swift. I think she’s one of the greatest living songwriters. I also like classic rock, too, like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.

Do you have a favorite TV show? I’m currently rewatching Parks and Recreation, and that’s definitely my favorite right now.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? Always laugh at yourself and life in general. I’ve learned this from a lot of different people. Life can be really difficult, so it’s important to see the humor in things. Laughter is the best medicine.

What is something you cannot live without? Coffee.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Last October, I ran the Hartford Marathon. It was my first marathon. I’m not a very fast runner, but I was proud I committed to the training and ran. I’m going to be running the New York City Marathon next month. I’m excited that I am going to do another one.