Kevin Farley

Patron Services Manager
Margaret R. Grundy
Memorial Library

Southeast (SEPLA) Chapter

What is your favorite movie or TV show?

Movie = Repo Man (1984)
So many layers of deep satire deftly wrapped in the absurd. Never forget, “The life of a repo man is always intense.”

What was the last five-star book you read?

Blood Meridian, by Cormac McCarthy
I challenge anyone to read the first three paragraphs and not be immediately floored.

What is something we might find surprising about you?

I grew up at the shore but avoid swimming in the ocean at all costs (I blame Jaws).

What is your preferred caffeinated beverage, and how much of it do you drink each day?

Coffee; 3-4 cups per day.

If you could meet one person (historical or current), who would it be and why?

My paternal grandfather (deceased). I never met him and I feel like some of the missing pieces of the puzzle of me would be discovered through him.

Tell us about your journey to working in libraries.

Growing up in a lower middle-class family with limited access to enrichment activities, public libraries served as a resource for all things joyful and impactful in my life. This provided me with a true sense of how transformative libraries can be. After several attempts at finding my place in various fields, I decided to commit myself to a career in public libraries. After cutting my professional teeth with a couple part time positions, I was able to secure a full-time position in an amazing public library (in which I am currently still employed) and have never looked back.

How have libraries impacted your life?

In short, libraries help level the playing field. As a true supporter of equality of opportunity, I believe a truly healthy society must sustain organizations that exist to provide, at no cost, access to resources that can support an individual’s path to continual discovery and self-improvement. Libraries offered this to me, and I am proud to play a role in supporting this noble mission.

Do you have a favorite PA Forward literacy (basic, information, civic and social, health, or financial)? Why is that your favorite?

Favorite PA Forward literacy = Civic and Social
For me, one of the greatest gifts a library offers its community is a place for individuals to connect and feel connected (the “third place” concept). This can be as simple as maintaining comfortable and welcoming spaces or through more curated, intentional programming designed to inspire attendees to interact and share ideas. I believe that active engagement with others allows us to truly grow and evolve as individuals, and libraries should play a central role in this process.

How did you first get involved in PaLA? Did you receive encouragement from anyone in particular?

I am extremely lucky (and thankful) for having the opportunity to work for an organization that truly supports professional development in all its forms. In particular, I was initially encouraged by my Library Director, Dana Barber, to join PaLA (and SEPLA - Southeast Chapter) and she continues to support my involvement, which currently includes attending trainings, meetings, and conferences.

How has your PaLA membership helped you?

Through my PaLA membership, I have been given countless opportunities to meet extremely bright and talented individuals working in libraries throughout the state. Via these interactions, my dedication to library services has been continually reinforced. Most recently, I had the privilege to attend the 2022 Leadership Academy by PALS, which was personally and professionally transformative.

What advice would you give to new members, or someone considering membership?

For new members, I would suggest attending as many in-person PaLA (and local Chapter) events as possible and making it clear to the decision makers in your organization how impactful these activities are so they will continue to support your membership.

For potential members, never forget the importance of investing in yourself and your career. Frontline work and individual study are certainly impactful, however true growth is often accelerated when you have a chance to leave your bubble and interact with colleagues outside of your home turf and away from the daily grind.

Do you have a favorite PaLA Annual Conference location or experience? Why is that your favorite?

So far, my favorite PaLA conference location is Erie in 2019. While it was a long bus trip from Eastern PA, the location and facilities were truly notable. I can also thank Erie for the most surreal McDonald’s experience I have ever had in my life (and I have had quite a few). 

Robbin Degeratu

Public Service, Local History,
and Reference Director
James V. Brown Library
ALA Councilor
West Branch Chapter member

What is something we might find surprising about you?

People are often surprised to learn that I’m an avid traveler! Travel has been the primary focus in my personal life since my senior year of college when my husband and I met and went on a trip to Costa Rica. I’ve visited 43 countries on six continents, nearly all of them in the last ten years. I’m also making a point to see more of the United States; we just finished a cross-country train trip that took us across seventeen states on 6,550 miles of rail. I’ve had extraordinary opportunities because of travel, from riding a camel into the Sahara, to watching the sun rise on Easter Island, to eating a communal dinner with Berber shepherds in the mountains of Morocco.

Beyond my own travels, I also love to hear about the trips my friends and colleagues go on, whether it’s their annual beach vacation, their first trip abroad, or their long-awaited tour of our great national parks. It’s inspiring, and I thoroughly enjoy bonding over the sense of wonder that you feel when you see other parts of the world. Adventure is certainly out there!

If you could meet one person (historical or current), who would it be and why?

I would love to meet writer and entertainer Padma Lakshmi. Like so many people in the United States, I first encountered her as the host of the show Top Chef. I’ve come to admire her writing and activism, and her ability to transform anything she contributes to into something more thoughtful and impactful. The work that she is doing on her show Taste the Nation is vital; she’s taken a food travel show and married it to social commentary in a way that I find insightful and educational. I’m excited by the stories that she shares, and her commitment to demonstrating how immigrants have defined the United States through their foodways.

What was the first PaLA division, committee, or round table you joined in a leadership capacity?

My first formal leadership role in PaLA was my service as the Chair of the Association’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee. When I was initially asked to take the position, I was hesitant; I’d done some EDI work as an American Library Association Emerging Leader and on PaLA’s EDI Taskforce, but I wasn’t an expert. Who was I to lead that committee in particular? After some conversations and reflection, I accepted the invitation to lead the committee and it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done professionally. I encountered many people I never would have met otherwise, and I grew in ways that could only be achieved through that type of service.

During my three years as Chair, I discovered that you don’t necessarily have to be an EDI expert or scholar to do meaningful EDI work because we are all constantly learning and growing into stronger, more knowledgeable advocates. That leadership experience also cemented my belief that the best way that I personally can promote equity, diversity, and inclusion is to lean into my own skill set: facilitation, planning, writing, and organizing. I may not be the person with a megaphone at a protest or the person organizing a media campaign to shine light on inequity, but I am the person who can do back-end administrative work that will guide the Association as it actively and intentionally pursues, promotes and champions EDI.

How has your PaLA membership helped you?

When I joined PaLA in 2016, I didn’t know what to expect from my PaLA membership or what I might get out of it, but in the years since, my membership has made my professional life infinitely richer. I have taken advantage of countless learning opportunities through the Association, including and beyond the conference; PaLA’s media training is the single-best training I’ve ever attended, and it equipped me with a vital skill set that will serve me for the rest of my career. I’ve also had the opportunity to serve as a volunteer leader, first as the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee Chair, and now as the Association’s ALA Councilor; through that service, I’ve developed facilitation skills, become a stronger public speaker, and have learned how to lead my peers and equals. Most importantly to me, though, my PaLA membership has connected me with other library workers across the state whom I wouldn’t have met otherwise. Those colleagues have opened so many doors for me professionally, from collaborating with academic librarians whom I wouldn’t normally overlap with, to making the connections that led to me accepting my current job at the James V. Brown Library. Membership in PaLA can be incredibly rewarding and impactful if you take full advantage of it, and for me, my membership has transformed my professional goals and the way that I think about library work.

Denise Wetzel

Science & Engineering Librarian
Penn State University Libraries
Juniata Conemaugh Chapter member

Tell us about your journey to working in libraries.

My name is Denise A. Wetzel, and I am the Science & Engineering Librarian for Pennsylvania State University (PSU) Libraries, University Park. I also get to be the Patent & Trademark Center (PTRC) Representative for the University Park PTRC - one of three in Pennsylvania libraries. I began working at PSU Libraries in October 2021, moving all the way from Florida as a STEM Research and Learning Librarian for Florida State University Libraries. While the weather is a bit chillier up here, I like to think of this as a homecoming. My family is from Schuylkill County and I spent many summers and holidays in the area. I also received my Bachelor’s degree from PSU’s Harrisburg campus in December of 2007. In August of 2008, I moved south to attend the University of Alabama’s MLIS program and proceeded to spend most of the next 13 years in the south. It was hot, the beaches were beautiful, there were tornadoes, and I found wonderful friends. I wouldn’t change anything about it. But a part of me always wanted to return to where the family is from. In June 2019, I visited the state and made the (unknowingly) prophetic statement that, “if the right job comes along, I am coming back.” And I did just that!

I consider the fact I am a librarian not a whim but a predestined outcome. My mother graduated from Millersville (then College but now) University with a Bachelor’s in Education with a Library Science Certification. So I grew up in libraries. While we were a military family and moved a lot, she always worked in public libraries, school libraries, or college libraries. So I spent my time after school reading shelves and helping prepare for programs. And as I finished my undergraduate degree, I knew I wanted to be a librarian too. So I went to Alabama and received my MLIS. Then I worked for Alabama’s State Library as a PR Librarian, as a teacher in South Korea, for Mississippi State University Libraries, for Florida State University Libraries, and now for Pennsylvania State University Libraries. I believe each position was a step toward my future, while also letting me hone in on my personal interests. While at FSU, I also completed my Master’s degree in Oceanography, though there may have been a category five hurricane (Michael) and a pandemic that really put me through my paces along the way. This degree complements my other degrees which allowed me to gain a better understanding in the science research world. 

What is something we might find surprising about you?

My favorite hobby is making pottery. I spend time on the weekends at my local makerspace in State College called, The Rivet. I’ve learned how to sew a tote bag, use a rotary cutter, use a laser cutter, and more. But my favorite thing is working on my pottery. I am currently creating a new set of dinner plates/bowls/mugs for my house to give it a personal touch. I am inspired by folk art for my designs - though some pieces need a dinosaur on them just to make it interesting. 

What advice would you give to new members, or someone considering membership?

I think my biggest piece of advice is just show up and ask to get involved. PaLA has been a great organization to be a member of over the past year. I feel like I can add my voice into conversations and really become a part of the organization. You also start to build a community of people around yourself for support. If you are new to librarianship, work in a smaller library, or just want to find a community - go for it. Jump in with both feet! I would also say start by attending your local chapter meetings. So many of the chapters want to engage with members, but aren’t sure how to entice people to show up to meetings. So attend that trivia night or social, attend a workshop, attend a meeting. But show up, talk to people, and start making your impact. Because you are important to PaLA’s success. 

What is your favorite TV show?

This may be the hardest question here. I would say as of today (because tomorrow it will change) it’s still Schitt’s Creek. I can watch it on repeat and I don’t think I would get tired of it, which I kind of do now. To me, my fave quote may be: “I would hardly call myself an expert on this subject, and by subject I mean genuine human emotion.” Though, I did make a “Fold in the Cheese” cheese plate a few months ago. 

Marleen Cloutier
Cataloging and Metadata Librarian
Weinberg Memorial Library
University of Scranton
PaLA Northeast Chapter Member
2023 Vice Chair, Technical Services
Round Table

What is your preferred caffeinated beverage, and how much of it do you drink each day?

Tea, black, unsweetened, usually iced (even in the winter) – at least 64oz. a day, probably more.

What is something we might find surprising about you?

My undergraduate degree is in Architecture. From 1996-2014 I worked in the architecture and design industry, specifically as an Exhibit Designer/Production Manager in Boston, Massachusetts, for 12 years. I had been part of design teams that worked on museum exhibits all around the country and traveled for work often. One year I clocked over 68,000 airline miles.

Tell us about your journey to working in libraries.

I worked as a work-study library assistant in college and was further drawn to librarianship through many of the contacts I made as an exhibit designer. The exhibit design firm I worked for closed in 2011, providing me with the unexpected opportunity to reconsider what I wanted to do moving forward. I enjoyed working alongside the many librarians, archivists, and museum professionals at my previous job, so I decided to explore the possibility of becoming a librarian and see what it was like on the other side of the table. I chose to change careers and in 2014 graduated from Drexel University’s MS(LIS) online program with a concentration in digital libraries.

My first full-time library job was working a contract position on-site at a Museum Library for a year, copy cataloging books on Dutch and Flemish Art. I enjoyed working on that project and cataloging in general, so I sought a job as a cataloger, bringing me to Scranton, Pa. in April 2016. I started at the Weinberg Memorial Library at the University of Scranton as a Cataloging Assistant and was hired as the Cataloging and Metadata Librarian in June 2019.

How did you first get involved in PaLA? Did you receive encouragement from anyone in particular?

I joined PaLA in 2016. PaLA member Sheli Pratt-McHugh, encouraged me to join when I first started working at the University of Scranton. I had just moved to Pennsylvania from Massachusetts and was new to working in libraries. Joining is a great way to meet other Librarians.

What was the first PaLA division, committee, or round table you joined in a leadership capacity?

In 2017, Martina Soden, Northeast Chapter Chair at the time, reached out and asked me to become the Archivist for the Northeast Chapter. That role led to future roles as part of Northeast Chapter Leadership, including being the 2018-2019 Membership Representative, 2020 Chapter Chair, and 2021 Elections and Nominations Representative. I was later elected as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Technical Services Round Table (TSRT) in 2022, and in 2023 I am serving as the Vice Chair/Chair-elect of the TSRT.

What advice would you give to new members or someone considering membership?

I recommend going to a chapter event or workshop. The first event I attended after I joined was the Northeast Chapter Pizza Crawl. It was fun and low-stakes social event. I also got to learn a bit about Old Forge Pizza and was able to get to know members of the Northeast Chapter.

Heather Weleski
Library Director, Avalon Public Library
PaLA Southwest Chapter member
2022 Public Library Division Chair

Tell us about your journey to working in libraries.

I have always been a voracious reader and tried to utilize libraries as much as I could. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, the school library was my favorite place to be. I can still remember the name of my Kindergarten teacher because she was the one who got us our first library cards for the community library! We weren’t able to visit often, but I loved that card. In high school, I was very involved in the library at my church and visited each week. My parents owned their own business when I was in high school, so taking me over to the public library was not always an option. After I moved to Pittsburgh, one of the first things I did was scope out the local library to get a card. I began volunteering at the Avalon Public Library in 2011 and was offered a summer job in 2012 to help with their Summer Reading program. I was teaching at the time so it was a perfect fit. In 2014, I transitioned from teaching and became a full-time Children and Youth Services Program Coordinator at the Community Library of Castle Shannon. I always kept Avalon Public Library in my heart and knew that given the opportunity, I would love to return as the director. In July 2019, my dream came true. The second day that I was back one of the patrons asked where I had been…that’s when I knew I had found my way home.

How did you first get involved in PaLA? Did you receive encouragement from anyone in particular?

While I was working at the Community Library of Castle Shannon, I was encouraged to become a member of PaLA. I wasn’t super active in the beginning as I navigated a new career, however once I found the annual conferences I was hooked. I am a huge fan of professional development and continuing education, so I tried to attend as many conferences as I could. At the 2018 conference in Harrisburg, Christi Buker mentioned the Leadership Academy by PALS and how it might be a good thing to pursue. At that point I didn’t consider myself a leadership candidate, but thought I would look into it. That was honestly the best decision and encouragement that I have ever received. I attended the Leadership Academy in June of 2019 and got my job as a director in July!

What is your favorite movie or TV show?

I am a huge fan of The Office! It was one of the few things that kept me sane and laughing during the lockdown in 2020. I would like to believe that I’m like Pam, but I’m probably more like Phyllis.

My favorite movie of all-time is Beauty and the Beast (the cartoon version). Growing up the meaning of “beauty is found within” really resonated with me. I have a collection of memorabilia including 23 picture books with different covers. Earlier this month I got to meet Paige O’Hara and Robby Benson, the voices of Belle and Beast, at Steel City Con and it made my heart so very happy.

What advice do you have to give others who may be struggling?

“Just keep swimming” Yes, I stole that from a Disney movie. No, I do not regret it.

“Put one foot in front of the other” This one is from the classic ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’. My dad sings it any time that we start meeting stressful situations. It’s a great reminder to just take things one at a time.

“It’s okay to not be okay” I’m sure a gazillion people have said this, but it’s still a great message. It’s okay to stop and say I need help or I need encouragement right now. Find people in your field and outside of your field that you can vent to! My dad doesn’t know a whole lot about the library field, but he is my person when it comes to just listening and offering a fresh perspective.

What do you do when not at the library?

I always seem to have something going on. I currently work part-time at a local ice cream store, mostly for the discount and free ice cream! My friends and I participate in various indie film festivals and contests, so we are occasionally filming on the weekends. One of my best friends moved back to Pittsburgh last year so we are enjoying our Girl’s Days at least once a month! And the down time and sleep time are reserved for cuddles with my cat Juliette. She’s pretty awesome and if we are friends on social media you will see her a lot.

What advice would you give to new members or someone considering membership?

Get involved where you can. Attend meetings whenever possible, thank goodness for the virtual world!! If you attend the conferences, make the most of the networking opportunities. You will get to be friends with people from across the state and help to grow a strong support system. The association has many volunteer opportunities to help you get started!