This week, I'm introducing you to Heather Oates at the Ligonier Valley Library! Heather has been with the library since October 2018, where she works as the Children's Librarian. Read on to learn more about Heather!
Why did you decide to become a librarian?
I did work at a library for a short time in my 20s. I loved it! However at that time, I had just completed my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and also married an Air Force man…which caused me to move to San Antonio, Texas, then to New Jersey and back again to San Antonio. I was a teacher for approximately 15 years before we finally made our final move to Ligonier. I did try very hard to find a permanent teaching job, but did not have any luck. When the position of children’s librarian was offered to me, I could not pass it up. It allows me every aspect of teaching that I LOVED and so much more. I always joke that I can now go to the bathroom anytime I want and I get an hour for lunch! I have never had an hour lunch in my life and anyone who has ever taught can relate.
Tell us a little about your background.
My background is just about as complicated as it gets, but it makes me who I am today. I grew up in the little town of Jamestown, PA. I am one of five children and I never even wanted to go to college. My Aunt Alice and Uncle Dave made me go and I am thankful for that each day. I attended Edinboro University. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and spent some time as a Juvenile Probation Officer after graduating in 1997. As a probation officer, I worked in the schools and fell in love with teaching. I decided to go back to school and get my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. I graduated in 2001. I have had the opportunity to travel and work in other parts of the country. Being a military spouse was hard, as I had to leave many friends and some wonderful teaching jobs, but I would not trade the experience for the world! I have an amazing 15-year-old daughter named Haylee and my husband, David, is one of the AFJROTC instructors for Ligonier Valley School District. Since moving back to Ligonier 6 years ago, I have worked as a TSS, senior companion, substitute teacher and even gave one year of service to AmeriCorps. We do love Ligonier very much.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I get to have fun every single day!
What are a few of your all-time favorite children's stories?
Of course, this is a hard question to answer. "Elmer" by David McKee is one of my favorites. I love "My Father’s Dragon" by Ruth Stiles Gannett and I love "The BFG" by Roald Dahl. There are so many new books that have come out and that I have run into since starting at the library. It is quite hard to narrow down my favorites. I also LOVE nonfiction books as well and I absolutely love anything Ben Franklin.
What new(er) children's books are you most excited about?
I am loving the newer books about acceptance of others and acceptance of yourself. I have worked with so many children and families over the years that struggle with many issues such as abuse, poverty etc. I find that books help families and children deal with the many issues that they might be struggling with. Many authors are finding ways to write beautiful books on loss, emotions, differences etc. If anyone would ever be in need of a book such as this, I hope they stop in and ask. My background makes me passionate about making sure we have books to meet the needs of all kinds of children and families.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I am not full of many surprises. I have had my struggles and I think people might be surprised that I may be able to understand more than they think I would about where they are coming from or what they have been through. Between my teaching and librarian career, I worked for the Westmoreland County Children’s Bureau for 14 months. I think folks are often surprised to hear that. I love bird watching and anything to do with animals.
What would people be surprised to learn about the library in general?
Times are changing and the days of being very, very quiet in the library are gone! We are promoting experiences and play. Families are changing and we are working very hard to make sure we are offering programs and services that they need and are interested in. We are trying hard to get ourselves up on the latest technology and reach children and families who may have never been to the library before.
What are a few upcoming events you'd like to share with our readers?
Rollo Coaster Creation: Jump on board and create your very own Rollo Coaster on Saturday, May 18 at the Ligonier Valley Library, beginning at 10:30am! Families will be given several choices in how they would like to build together. In addition to some fun, hands-on time, children and their families will get to have a Meet and Greet with at least one Idlewild character, enjoy some light refreshments, and possibly win a family 4-pack for one free day at Idlewild!
Our Preschool Storytime returns on June 19 (registration required), and we're kicking off our Summer Reading Program on June 23! No registration is required for the kick-off event. Children will be able to register for the summer reading program at the event.
Find the details and more Kid-friendly events on our website: https://www.ligonierlibrary.org/kid-corner/
Let's connect!
Follow Macaroni Kid North Huntingdon on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
Don't miss out! Get a FREE kid-friendly event calendar for the North Huntingdon-Greensburg-Latrobe area full of festivals, fairs, activities, events and more!
