By Laurie Lechlitner
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — “Fourteen years ago, I got an associate degree in criminal justice,” stated Amanda Gilbert, Rochester. “I had in mind becoming a crime scene investigator but realized I didn’t have the stomach for it. I’ve always loved reading. But I never thought I’d work in a library.

Amanda Gilbert

“After moving to the area 7 1/2 years ago, I found this job. It was part time, perfect for a mother who still had kids in the house. I took it and I love it. I started out as a circulation clerk.”

Gilbert is now manager of the Aubbee Branch Library in Leiters Ford.

When the former branch manager was getting ready to retire, she encouraged Gilbert to become her replacement. “I took the required courses in library science. I’ve been the branch manager for a year now. I have an assistant manager and two circulation clerks.”

Although there are no typical days at the library, there are some things that need to be done each day. “I come in and make sure everything is up and running. I do reports, employee schedules, clean shelves and make new orders. I put away deliveries, wait on patrons, and coordinate crafts and programming.”

Gilbert’s favorite part of her job is greeting patrons. “I watch kids grow up. They tell me about the milestones in their lives. They’ll tell me about their day, maybe show me a loose tooth. The adults become my friends. The people who walk through our doors become extended family members to me.”

One of her griefs was the passing of the former branch manager Carol. “I don’t get to ask her questions about things that don’t happen every day.

That’s challenging because I’m still a bit new as branch manager. But the job is still very rewarding. I can’t imagine myself anywhere else.”

Gilbert has fond memories of the library when she was growing up. “I was an early reading enthusiast. When I was 5, I tried to read the newspaper. As I got older, I’d walk to our local library and spend hours there. I was the kid who got in trouble for reading past my bedtime.”

However, now that she works in a library, she has little time for reading.

“When I was a stay-at-home mom, I’d get my housework done and spend hours reading. But now I’m lucky to get reading time every other day. And at work, we have no time to read at all.”

Those who work at the library need to be informed about items and services available to patrons. “Our circulation clerks are familiar with what the library offers. Those working at the library must love people and have a willingness to help.”

Gilbert believes reading has opened her eyes to many situations people face in life. “Reading has also sparked my imagination.”

She began dating her husband Kenneth while she was managing a truck stop near her home in the Hobart/Gary area after knowing each other most of their lives. “He was one of the drivers who came in.” They have five kids and three grandkids and have been married 13 years.

“We love living in Fulton County. The people are friendly, and it’s a much more relaxed way of life than the city.”