Welcome to our series, all about getting to know our very special Youth Services staff members at the Barrington Area Library! Each month, we'll publish an interview with one of our lovely staff members. Up next we have Youth Services Specialist Venessa!

What is your favorite part of working at the Barrington Area Library?

There are so many positive aspects to being part of the Barrington Area Library. My favorite is the people and relationships that have been created during my time here. Whether it be getting to know my co-workers or engaging in meaningful interactions with our youngest community members or anything in between; the people are what makes Barrington Area Library so wonderful.

What are some of your favorite books and/or genres?

I don’t have a favorite book. I love picture books! I appreciate the illustrations in a book as much as I do the contents. I also enjoy reading self help books; I feel inspired when I  read useful books about life that have the potential to be life changing.

Do you have a hobby or knowledge of a certain topic that you like to incorporate into your work at the library?

I love spending time outdoors in nature. I love that Barrington Area Library offers Story Time Nature Walk at Crabtree Nature Center. I really enjoy partnering with Crabtree to maximize our outdoor experiences together.

What do you like to do when you’re not working at the library?

When I am not working at the library I like to meditate and spend time with my family. I especially enjoy spending time outdoors. I love warm weather. I like to go for walks with my children and my dogs, attend sporting events, go camping and just relax by water.

Is there a fun fact about yourself that you’d like to share?

Fun Fact #1: I have two very big dogs! Mack and Marshal. Mack is a Saint Bernard and Marshal is a Mastiff/Shepherd mix. Together they weigh over 300lbs. 

Fun Fact #2: I collect frogs.

    Youth Services Specialist Stefanie