Meet Robin Frazier
Adult Services Librarian
Indian Valley Public Library
Southeast (SEPLA) Chapter
What is your favorite movie or TV show?
Favorite movie is Pitch Perfect and favorite tv show is Parks and Recreation
What was the last five-star book you read?
First Time Caller by B.K. Borison
What is something we might find surprising about you?
I never learned how to ride a bike.
What is your preferred caffeinated beverage and how much do you drink of it each day?
I love Starbucks Strawberry Acai Lemonade, but I try to only drink it once or twice a week because Starbucks is expensive.
If you could meet one person (historical or current), who would it be and why?
Margaret Hamilton - she played the Wicked Witch in the Wizard of Oz and I was told growing up that we were related on my maternal grandmother's side. She was either my great great Aunt or something like that.
Tell us about your journey to working in libraries.
I started off working in libraries my junior year of high school. I worked as a book shelver/page at my local library for the summer. Then once I graduated high school, I pursued my degree in Elementary Education and got my Associates from Bucks County Community College, then transferred to Eastern University to complete my Bachelors degree. From there, I became a full time preschool teacher and quickly realized that this was not for me. One thing I enjoyed is that the county library system would send its Bookmobile to our school for story time and getting the kids excited to read. I left my preschool position feeling frustrated and burnt out and then the pandemic hit. I was in a rut and knew I needed to pursue something other than early childhood education, so that's when I decided I could use my love of literacy and libraries to pursue my Masters degree in library science. I quickly learned that I would also need a job in a library so that I could fully experience everything I was learning about and get insider insight to how libraries function. I graduated from PennWest Clarion University in May 2024 and at the time I was promoted to Assistant Director at the North Wales Area Library, with a concentration on mostly everything, but I handle the website, the catalog, the social media, and more! As of May 2025, I started a new position at Indian Valley Public Library as the Adult Services Librarian and I am excited to see where this journey takes me!
How have libraries impacted your life?
As a kid, libraries were my safe space. I enjoyed playing with toys and what not, but as soon as I could read, I wanted to be surrounded by books. As I got older I learned to appreciate how libraries function and how they handle more than just books. The library quickly became my favorite place. I could go there to do my homework after school, in college I could find resources that I needed for projects and papers, and even as an adult, I find myself utilizing all the e-resources I can. I'll never forget the librarians that I have met along the way in my life from my elementary school librarian all the way up to the librarians that I have met in my career journey. And I hope to make an impact on just one person as a librarian because libraries are for everyone.
Other information you would like readers to know:
When I was younger, I would beg my mom to buy me books whenever we went to the store instead of toys. Of course, I still loved new toys, but if I asked for new books, my mom couldn't say no. She instilled the love of literacy and reading and books within me and although she is no longer alive, she lives on through my library journey.
How did you first get involved in PaLA? Did you receive encouragement from anyone in particular?
I was encouraged to join PaLA when I was a student at PennWest Clarion to get my feet wet and start networking with other librarians in the area.
How has your PaLA membership helped you?
My PaLA membership has been incredibly valuable for both my professional growth and networking within the library community. Through access to conferences, workshops, and webinars, I’ve been able to stay current with trends and best practices in the field. I’ve also benefited from the opportunity to connect with colleagues across Pennsylvania, which has led to fruitful collaborations and a broader perspective on how libraries can serve their communities. Additionally, the resources and advocacy provided by PaLA have empowered me to better support my patrons and advance in my career.
What advice would you give to new members, or someone considering membership?
My advice to new members—or anyone considering joining—is to get involved early. Don’t just sign up; attend a regional chapter meeting, join a committee, or volunteer at a conference. The more you participate, the more you’ll get out of the experience. PaLA offers a lot of opportunities for professional development, leadership, and connection with others who truly understand the work we do. It can feel overwhelming at first, but the community is welcoming and supportive. Take advantage of the resources, and don’t hesitate to reach out to fellow members—you’ll be surprised how generous people are with their time and knowledge.