Jefferson Market Library Staff Spotlight

By Corinne Neary, Senior Librarian

CHILDREN’S LIBRARIAN REBECCA, above. Photo courtesy of Jefferson Market Library.

It’s almost Spring, and the perfect time for a Jefferson Market Library staff spotlight! This month, we had a chance to sit down with Rebecca, a venerable children’s librarian here in the Village, to see what her days at the library are like.

Hello Rebecca! You’re somewhat of an institution here in the Jefferson Market children’s room, in large part because of your mastery in book recommendations! As a librarian myself, I know that suggesting just the right book can be tricky, so can you fill us in on the tricks of your trade?
Children’s librarians need to read a lot. Don’t become a children’s librarian if you don’t love reading children’s literature.  People often wonder why I have so many books stacked up everywhere, but I’m not just a hoarder! I’m actually trying to look at as many new / new-to-me books as possible. Since most adults don’t read children’s books, they rely on children’s librarians for recommendations.  Middle grade readers can be very particular about genre and theme, and any credibility I have with them lies in my ability to recommend books based on their interests.  You really can’t fudge it with tweens!

How long have you been working at the New York Public Library and at the Jefferson Market Library?
I’ve been working for the NYPL for 24 years, and at Jefferson Market for 16!

Wow — You have raised a whole generation of Village kids on your book recommendations! You’re often seen showing classes around the building, mainly elementary school students, but sometimes middle or high schoolers, and sometimes even college students! What do you like so much about working with class groups?
As much as I love showing off the building and seeing how excited kids are when they go up to the catwalk (above the main reading room), I think I love the read aloud and book recommending parts best. Kids love being read to, and it’s great to share new stories they’ve never heard before.  And there’s nothing like finding a book a kid is truly excited to take home! 

Do you have a favorite restaurant in the neighborhood?
I really enjoy the egg bagels at Bagel Pub.

Oh yes, Bagel Pub has been a great addition to our staff eats! And finally, we must know, what are you reading, and do you have a favorite book?
I’m currently reading Shari Green’s Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess. It’s a novel in verse about a deaf girl coming to terms with big changes in her family. My all-time favorite novel is My Antonia by Willa Cather. 

Ooh, I love My Antonia, and I have read it with one of our book discussion groups. I’m always happy to hear a mention of Willa Cather, one of our great Village writers, and to remind people to attend a program in our first floor Willa Cather room!

Thanks, Rebecca!