Britany Hommey
What is your favorite movie or TV show?
The Pitt or Fallout
What was the last five-star book you read?
Empire of the Dawn by Jay Kristoff
What is something we might find surprising about you?
I was born premature, as my mom was roughly 27 weeks along. This resulted in a few surgeries and a long stay in the NICU from May '96 to Christmas Day '96.
What is your preferred caffeinated beverage and how much do you drink of it each day?
Two coffees per day during the week and tea on the weekends
If you could meet one person (historical or current), who would it be and why?
Buddha a.k.a. Siddhartha Gautama around 500 B.C. - I imagine the conversation would be an enlightening one.
Tell us about your journey to working in libraries:
I started out by working part-time as a Youth Services Librarian at a local public library (B.F. Jones Memorial - Aliquippa, PA) while also attending MLIS classes, then I was hired to full-time within a month or so. After about a year at BFJ, I saw the chance to work at my local law library and specialized libraries had piqued by interest. I surpassed my second year mark here at the Law Library a few months ago and it's been great getting to know the stacks and the community I serve.
How have libraries impacted your life?
Like many librarians, I grew up with a love of books and reading. I would frequent the school library in every grade from 1st to 12th. I remember the elation I felt upon taking an AR test and acing it. Thinking to myself, "hey, I'm pretty good at this 'reading' thing," from "The Rainbow Fish" and "Frog & Toad" to "Goosebumps," "The Outsiders," and even "Vampire Diaries" to high school classics like "The Great Gatsby," "The Grapes of Wrath," and "Of Mice & Men," books were always by my side.
I hadn't frequented my own public library until post-2020 and I began looking into getting my MLIS. Once I started schooling again (and subsequently started at BF Jones), I began to utilize and advocate for my local resources much more.
Do you have a favorite PA Forward literacy (basic, information, civic and social, health, or financial)? Why is that your favorite?
I'd argue my current favorite would be civic and social. Being at the Law Library, I see the need every day for providing access to legal resources and databases for, not just the bench and bar, but also the public.
How did you first get involved in PaLA?
Did you receive encouragement from anyone in particular? At first, I received a student membership with my ALA membership. After schooling, I still felt connected to those within PaLA, so I chose to continue my membership. I was initially encouraged from my Clarion professors at the time, but the librarians I met along the way are what made me keep the membership.
How has your PaLA membership helped you?
My membership has been immensely beneficial. It began by joining the Southwest chapter and attending the annual conference - first in 2022, and again in 2023 & 2025. That helped with gaining confidence and networking. I noticed an uptick in my leadership and professional development skills after attending the PALS Director's Institute in May of 2025. I'm also grateful for the Mentorship program - of which I was a mentee in 2025. I've continued to have a connection with my mentor outside of the program, which feels like the biggest blessing.
What advice would you give to new members, or someone considering membership?
I'd highly recommend a conference buddy, or getting to know others in your PaLA community. Many fellow members are eager to assist if you have any questions (whether it's about collection, rules/manual updates, Board/ Friends groups, getting programs together, etc.), so don't feel afraid to reach out!
Do you have a favorite PaLA Annual Conference location or experience? Why is that your favorite?
I'm partial to the Erie location. Partly because it's on my side of the state, and partly because it's so close to nature.