Margaret Schachte, Library Director, Charles T. Jones Leadership Library - Central Penn College
Name:
Margaret Schachte
Title:
Library Director
Library:
Charles T Jones Leadership Library - Central Penn College
Type of Member Spotlight:
Individual
What is your favorite movie or TV show?
There are so many! Top of the list would be The Librarians, The Mentalist, Numb3rs, Doctor Who, and Torchwood.
What was the last five-star book you read?
The Genius Bat: The Secret Life of the Only Flying Mammal by Yossi Yovel
What is something we might find surprising about you?
I taught myself how to read when I was a baby and by the time I was three I could read everything from menus and road signs to chapter books and my mom's journal!
What is your preferred caffeinated beverage and how much do you drink of it each day?
I usually drink one cup of coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon, and herbal tea in the evening.
If you could meet one person (historical or current), who would it be and why?
I would like to meet Paul Revere. As someone often accused of entertaining too many side-quests, I personally find Paul Revere to be a validating example of someone who Had Ideas and Did Things. The man had so much going on in his life.
He was one of the Sons of Liberty.
He raised 16 children.
He was a silversmith, a dentist, and an iron worker.
He helped organize and run a spy ring in Boston during the Revolutionary War.
He was one of America's most famous bell casters and supplied hundreds of huge bells to churches and government buildings (some of which are still working!).
He was a pioneer in the production of rolled copper and his company Revere Copper and Brass, Inc is still in operation!
He was also involved in America's first documented case of forensic dentistry when he identified his friend Joseph Warren by his teeth after Joseph's body had been mutilated by British soldiers at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
He was not always successful and some of his work went dreadfully wrong (ex. Penobscot Disaster) but I like to think that gives me permission to try things myself even if there's a chance of failing. I'd love to meet him!
Tell us about your journey to working in libraries:
When I was 16, I walked into my local public library (Ashland Public Library) and asked for an internship. They said yes and I spent the next year following everyone around and learning whatever I could. The library workers were fantastic - they very patiently allowed me to look over their shoulders and shadow them through every task. The entire library was open to me. They answered all my questions and would narrate and explain their work step-by-step. What incredible patience!!!
The library hired me as a Library Clerk the next year in 2017. In 2018 I became the Library Director. I was working full-time at the library and was a full-time online student at Clarion University working toward my MLS. In 2021, I resigned from my Library Director position in order to focus on finishing my masters degree.
I didn't stay out of libraries for long! I served as interim director for the Shenandoah Area Free Public Library in 2022 and then was hired as Library Director at Central Penn College in 2023. Moving from public libraries to an academic library was a huge culture shock but I have loved every second of it!
Other information you would like readers to know:
When I was little I thought librarians got to live in the library! I was disappointed when I learned this is not usually the case. I have informed the administration at the college where I work that if they add a second floor onto my library I will happily move in.
How did you first get involved in PaLA? Did you receive encouragement from anyone in particular?
Joining PaLA was a requirement for one of my classes in library school! I saw it as a school assignment and didn't really understand the scope of what PaLA is until I attended my first conference in Erie in 2019.
What was the first PaLA division, committee, or round table you joined in a leadership capacity?
I served as Vice Char of the Rural & Small Libraries Round Table in 2022. Shout-out to Ryan McCrory for inviting me to run for the position and encouraging me!
How has your PaLA membership helped you?
PaLA has given me access to a community of librarians! What more could you want 🙂
What advice would you give to new members, or someone considering membership?
Try things. Offer to help when you see a need. If you have an idea or a thought to share - speak up!
Do you have a favorite PaLA Annual Conference location or experience? Why is that your favorite?
The Erie Bayfront Convention Center is my favorite conference location by far. It's a long drive for me to get there but it's so worth it. I love the long windows along the side of the convention center that look out onto the bay. After a long day at the conference it is relaxing to sit and look at the water - even if it is super windy!