Name: Pam Stauffacher
Librarian, Concord Public Library
How long have you been a librarian? How did you get started in the field?
I’ve been working in libraries for about 15 years. In a different state I used to work in a toy and children’s book store. I got really interested in the field and that led to librarianship.
(Ed. note: You learn a new word every day when you hang out with librarians!)
What is your favorite literary character?
I love them all! But I’ll say Huck Finn. He’s a bit of a rogue; he kind of does his own thing.
Who is your favorite author? Favorite book?
Ever? Wow, that’s tough. My favorite all-time book is Black Beauty. And for an author I’ll say Steven Kellogg.
What is your favorite Dewey Decimal System number?
641.5. That’s the one for cooking!
Be honest, are we being too loud right now?
Not at all.
What do your book shelves look like at home? Are they meticulously organized? And are all your books in protective plastic jackets?
No – they’re on shelves, they’re in piles, they’re under the bed, and they’re not very well organized.
In this day and age of technology and gadgets, sell us on coming to the actual library.
Print books are never going to go away, especially children’s picture books because they have to be held to enjoy. But we also try to incorporate technology so we’re a place where people can access it.
Who is your favorite famous librarian?
Nancy Pearl. She does a lot of book reviews, and really goes beyond just the librarian world. She’s out on the West Coast somewhere.
Is the book always better than the movie?
No. I think it depends on the situation.
If you could make one change to the Concord Public Library, what would it be?
To have more space. There’s actually been talk about that for years.
If you weren’t a librarian, what would you be doing?
I would make stuff. I’m crafty.
Hidden talent?
Puppetry. I make some of my own, and mostly do Muppet-style hand puppets.
Guilty pleasure?
This is going to sound so lame – but crossword puzzles. I wish it was something more exciting!
