Welcome to Owlfred’s Corner!
Each month, Owlfred gets the scoop on one of our incredible library staff members with a fun Q & A session. From coffee vs. tea debates to favorite books and surprising discoveries, this monthly feature is all about getting to know the people who make OFPL such a special place.

Get comfy and meet our spotlighted staff member!

Meet Julie, the Youth Services Manager at OFPL, who has been a dedicated part of the library for 11 years! Whether leading story time, enjoying a good book, or sipping tea, Julie brings heart to everything she does. Her passion for fiction, love of Winnie the Pooh, and commitment to early childhood literacy make her a true gem at the library. Read on to discover more about Julie and her hobbies outside of OFPL!

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Coffee or tea? Tea, of course! Whether it’s a steaming cup of hot tea or a refreshing glass of iced tea, it’s delightful!

Morning person or night owl? I embrace the best of both worlds—why choose when you can enjoy both?

Fiction or nonfiction? Fiction wins my heart every time—there’s nothing like embarking on adventures with captivating characters!

eBook or paperback? It’s all about the paperback for me! There’s something special about holding a book in my hands and tracking my progress as I turn each page.

What’s your favorite part of working at OFPL? One of the most rewarding aspects of my role at OFPL is working with incredible children, especially those from birth to age five. Engaging in story times with these little ones nourishes my soul! Watching them learn, grow, and blossom into confident individuals with impressive vocabularies is one of the greatest joys of my job. As the saying goes, “Find your tribe,” and I’ve certainly found mine here.

If given the choice, would you prefer to spend a day with your favorite author or your favorite fictional character, and who would that author or character be? If given the choice, I would love to spend the day with Winnie the Pooh! He embodies qualities we all could aspire to—his optimism and ability to uplift those around him are rare gifts. Just imagine being in his presence and seeing the world through his gentle eyes.

Winnie the Pooh has a remarkable way of distilling life’s complexities into simple yet profound truths. For instance, during a heartfelt conversation, Piglet once asked, “How do you spell love?” Pooh wisely replied, “You don’t spell it. You feel it.” Isn’t that beautifully said?

Another quote that resonates deeply with me is when Pooh told Piglet while strolling through the Hundred Acre Wood, “If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay forever.” This sentiment holds even more meaning for me now as I reflect on losing my dad recently. Though we may not be together physically, he will always live on in my heart.

And of course, there’s Pooh’s delightful wisdom: “It’s more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like ‘What about lunch?’” Who could possibly argue with that?!

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned while working at OFPL? One of my biggest revelations has been that every day brings something new! Whether it’s a fresh task, an intriguing lesson, or an inspiring person to meet, the variety keeps me engaged and excited. I’ve also been amazed by the wealth of FREE services we offer—it’s unparalleled! Did you know patrons can get documents notarized, register to vote, and even receive legal assistance? And let’s not forget our impressive “Library of Things,” where visitors can browse and borrow unique items like Rokus, sewing machines, telescopes, and even ukuleles! It’s a treasure trove waiting to be explored!

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be? If I could magically acquire any skill, it would undoubtedly be sewing! The idea of mastering both hand-sewing and machine sewing excites me. I dream of creating beautiful pieces I can use in my daily life—whether it’s clothing to wear or decorative items for my home. The ability to craft something with my own hands would be incredibly fulfilling. Fortunately, I know where I can check out a sewing machine to practice on!

What’s your go-to activity or hobby when you’re not at the library? When I’m not immersed in the world of books and community engagement at the library, you can find me indulging in a variety of hobbies. Inside, I love experimenting with new recipes—there’s nothing like discovering a delicious dish to share with family and friends. I also cherish cozy evenings watching classic films with my remarkable 100-year-old mom; those moments are priceless! Outside, I enjoy walking and tending to my flower—or is it a weed?—garden. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature while staying active!

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Thank you for joining us in Owlfred’s Corner! We hope you enjoyed getting to know Julie and discovering the unique talents and interests she brings to OFPL. Stay tuned for next month’s feature as we continue to highlight the amazing people who make our library such a welcoming and inspiring place. See you next time!