An Interview with Miss Jen the Children’s Manager
How long have you worked at the Dover Public Library?
5 years in January 2023
What is your typical workday like?
I am the children’s department manager so I read a lot of books to a lot of children and that’s one of my favorite things. I also love our programs and love when kids come in and are so excited to be in the library or to find a book they are excited about. I love everything about my job.
Do you have any stories about the library?
Kids are very honest and funny. I could write a book about all the things that I have been told. I get lots of hugs from our littlest patrons and that’s the best part of my day. When I visit the schools or see a child outside of the library and they recognize me, I feel like a rockstar. lol Most kids are happy to see me come to their classroom but a few really don’t want to sit long enough to listen so I’ve learned not to take all the books out that I will read. I leave them in my bag and just pull them out as we go. I have had a little boy laying face down on the floor raise just his head and say why are you here? lol I’ve learned not to take offense. That boy also hugged me and told me he loved me when I was leaving, maybe just because I was leaving.
What kind of books do you enjoy reading or listening to?
I like to read non-fiction a lot, depending on what’s going on in my life. I also found that I enjoy some historical fiction, which surprised me. I like the author Heather Morris. She is the author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz. I read a lot of kids books also and I love Dr. Seuss. I grew up reading Little House on the Prairie books, Anne of Green Gables, Books by Judy Blume, Nancy Drew and classics that were required in school but I enjoyed them all.
Tell us about your family and/or pets.
I currently have just 1 dog named Bella. She was a rescue. She’s very sweet and needy and anxious like her owner. lol I feed lots of animals in my backyard, birds, deer, squirrels, cats, chipmunks, rabbits and the occasional raccoon, skunk or fox but not on purpose. I live in town now and I have more wildlife now than I ever did living most of my life in the country.
When you aren’t working what kinds of things do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy listening to music, watching movies, playing with my grandson, hanging with my kids, visiting some wineries, shopping, eating, gardening and just sitting and watching the birds and deer. I’m easily amused. I’ve learned to try and enjoy every aspect of life with the people that mean the most.
