What books have been important to you (or, your favorites) and why?
My favorite authors, Dorothea Benton Frank, Kristin Hannah, Mary Kay Andrews, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Mary Alice Monroe who publish yearly. They write about what they know, where they live - I have traveled those places so it is like traveling back, plus always a great story.
Always try the best sellers, anything off the library displays - I often let the librarians pick for me - that way I get books I would not have thought of
or knew about. Reading is my addiction. I give many books a read or at least a try.
How would you describe your reading life?
I have to read something every day. When I travel, even in Europe, I try to bring back some books that I have purchased in-country, I don't pick up books at book sales anymore. Have cleaned out the house and the book shelves and won't store anything anymore, so the library is my source and the information desk my help. I use interlibrary loan a lot - usually when I read about titles when I am hooked on a subject and need to read all I can find available on a subject.
How do you find your next book?
I get my titles at Barnes & Noble off the new releases tables, or staff recommendations section or what else I find in the store, then I come to the library to get the book. Either it is on the shelf or put the title(s) on reserve or interlibrary loan.
What have you read lately that you'd recommend?
The Hillary Clinton autobiography, Hard Choices; Ruth Reichl's title, Delicious. I read Gone Girl - haven't read others yet by that author. Since I am a huge Elvis fan, I am planning to read the new book by Ginger, one of his girlfriends.
What's great or special about the Marion Library to you as a reader?
The library gives me a friendly feeling when I walk in. I know the staff, just like I know the Barnes & Noble staff. I always stop in the book store to see
what magazines I might buy. I find titles there I like, but don't want to subscribe to regularly, so fifty cents a copy is cheap - then I return the magazines to the book store for resale. I was a reference librarian at Cedar Rapids Public Library, the Carnegie building, for six years and three years in Detroit, Michigan before that, so I do appreciate a physically friendly building and knowledgeable, friendly staff. I look forward to the future of the Marion Public Library and the shape it will take when it is able to enlarge and do the things the library envisions for its future. I don't live in Marion so REALLY APPRECIATE a great library as close to my home as I can find.
