Get to know a Memphis librarian!
They know you... do you know them?
The greatest resource at the Memphis Public Libraries are the people - library workers who come together to create engaging programs, support each other’s projects, and create lasting change for the Memphis community. Because they’re so integral to the Memphis Public Libraries, we have decided to highlight a different library worker on a regular basis, so that library fans like you can get to know who makes their favorite institution so great.
Readers, meet Marty.
When did you start working at the Memphis Public Libraries?
I started working at MPL in May of 2021, having finished my bachelor's degree in December of 2020.
Why were you interested in the job?
I wanted to work with books and in public service.
Where did you work before the library?
I've worked a number of restaurant jobs throughout the years. I also worked in the Smith College Libraries during my time there as a student.
What did you study in school? How do you think that applies to your work at MPL?
I studied political science in school, with a focus in American politics. While it might not be the first subject you think of when imagining what a librarian majored in, I do think it applies to the job, indirectly. As an institution that exists to serve the public, free of charge, as a repository of knowledge and culture, the public library is indispensable to democracy.
What has been your greatest professional achievement since working at MPL?
I put together the first annual Fantasy Faire at the Cordova Branch. It was a big celebration of the fantasy genre that featured a virtual Q&A with a New York Times-bestselling author, around 20 local vendors, real life knights in shining armor, children's activities, and more. We had around 300 attendees, which is HUGE for a branch event. Organizing the Faire took over a year, and is the largest project that I've taken on since starting at MPL.
What is your favorite part about work?
When a patron tells me that they loved a book I recommended!
What is your favorite thing about the library?
The possibility. There are so many opportunities to learn new things, whether through books or programs.
What are some of the challenges of working at a library?
Knowing that I can only do so much. We have so many patrons, from all sorts of backgrounds with all kinds of different experiences. It feels impossible to reach everyone.
What is the most underrated resource at MPL?
The Transparent Languages database. Patrons have free access to a learning platform with courses in over 100 languages. (Learn more about the Transparent Languages database here)
What is your favorite program throughout the system?
Fantasy Faire, duh!!!
What library passions do you have?
I make a lot of book displays for my branch, because I love finding a specific topic and searching for books that fit under its umbrella. It's a great way to introduce patrons to books they never would have come across otherwise. Doing these displays has gotten me interested in collection development - on the hunt for books to put in my displays, I always end up reading dozens of listicles and rankings to find the best books in the subject/genre that I'm looking for and checking whether or not we have them in our collection. It makes me wish I could spend my day finding the best books to add to our collection.
How would you like to be remembered?
I'd like to be remembered as helpful and kind.
How many books do you typically read in a year?
In 2024, I've read 100 books so far. I actually usually read more, but I've had a very busy year!
What’s your favorite genre?
Either Fantasy or Romance, I can never decide. In Fantasy, I can get lost in new and exciting worlds; so much of fantasy is so creative. In terms of Romance, I am a huge romantic; I just can't resist a good Happily Ever After.
What is your favorite book?
My favorite book is Little Thieves, by Margaret Owen. It's a retelling of the fairytale The Goose Girl. Its sequel is also good, and there's a third book coming out in 2025!
What is your least favorite book?
There's plenty that come to mind, but my least favorite recent read was Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro. It felt like the author took a really interesting subject and made it really flat and, dare I say, boring. I think it's massively overhyped. (Never Let Me Go received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2017).
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I spent quite a few years wanting and trying to be a ballerina. Beyond that, I didn't really have any big aspirations. I kind of stumbled into library work and discovered that it was my ideal career - I'm not sure how I hadn't figured that out earlier though, having always been an avid reader and lover of the library.
What is your favorite Memphis food?
My favorite "Memphis food" is BBQ nachos, but my favorite Memphis restaurant is probably Casablanca.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I'm obsessed with cats, even though I'm allergic to them. I have two, Markie and Sue.
What's next for you?
I'm getting married this year, so that's the main thing on my plate right now! In a year or two, I might pursue a Masters in Library and Information Science, but I'm undecided as of yet.
We’re so thankful that Marty took the time to talk to us about herself and her work at MPL. It’s librarians like Marty who make our system special. She also included a special library picture that we can’t not share, so check it out below!
As always, thank you for reading and make sure to share this post with a friend, family member, colleague, or complete stranger!
Your Memphis Library Foundation Team
Thank you, Marty...and the Foundation for introducing me to Marty and for this newsletter.