Meet PaLA member Emily Reed, Research and Instruction Librarian, Madlyn L. Hanes Library (Penn State Harrisburg)
Name:
Emily Reed
Title:
Research and Instruction Librarian
Library:
Madlyn L. Hanes Library (Penn State Harrisburg)
Type of Member Spotlight:
Individual
What is your favorite movie or TV show?
It's always changing! Right now I'm watching The Four Seasons on Netflix and really enjoying it.
What was the last five-star book you read?
The Will of the Many by James Islington
What is something we might find surprising about you?
Sunlight makes me sneeze.
What is your preferred caffeinated beverage and how much do you drink of it each day?
I just recently managed to wean myself off caffeine! (But I'll still indulge as a treat.) I really enjoy Schweppe's ginger ale at dinner.
If you could meet one person (historical or current), who would it be and why?
Steve Carell, to say thank you for providing me with so many laughs throughout my life.
Tell us about your journey to working in libraries:
After graduating from college with a degree in music education, I first worked part time in a public library, the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library in Mechanicsburg. I then worked full time in a school library for the local school district. After discovering just how much I loved library work, I pursued my MLIS through the University of Pittsburgh, and have settled into academic libraries after graduating.
Do you have a favorite PA Forward literacy (basic, information, civic and social, health, or financial)? Why is that your favorite?
All are important, and while I work most with information and civic/social for my job, my favorite has to be basic reading literacy. Without the ability to read, you can't be sufficiently literate in any other areas of your life. And I love how libraries have charged themselves to not only provide resources to support literacy, but to inspire a love and joy for reading!
Other information you would like readers to know:
Rudine Sims Bishop once said that books could serve either as mirrors, reflecting familiar experiences and perspectives back to the reader, or as doors, opening them up to new worlds. This is true not just for children's stories, but for all kinds of information libraries collect. This philosophy has deeply resonated with me and shaped my thinking about how libraries can serve our patrons.
How did you first get involved in PaLA? Did you receive encouragement from anyone in particular?
I was encouraged to become a member by my supervisor while working in my first professional library position at Central Penn College. Thank you, Diane P.!
What was the first PaLA division, committee, or round table you joined in a leadership capacity?
The Teaching, Learning, & Technology Round Table
How has your PaLA membership helped you?
The professional (and personal!) connections I have made! The scholarship I received to attend PALS back in 2016. The service opportunities where I learned so much about libraries, and many of those led to leadership positions where I learned even more!
What advice would you give to new members, or someone considering membership?
Join! It's just for a year, not a lifetime, so think of it as a trial run. 🙂
Do you have a favorite PaLA Annual Conference location or experience? Why is that your favorite?
Erie is just stunning. I’ve been there twice now for PaLA conferences, and hope to go back soon. I need to make sure to build in extra vacation days around the conference so I can enjoy some extra time at Presque Isle! The selfie of me in this Member Spotlight is from our last conference there in 2025. It was wonderful to walk around the bay and breathe in the fresh air between conference sessions.