Getting to Know Us - Beth Redford

Beth Redford - Library Media Specialist

Tell us a little about yourself:

I’m currently in my fourth year as the teacher librarian at RES. Before that I was a children’s and young adult librarian at the public library in Burlington. I’ve written over 60 reviews of children’s and young adult books for School Library Journal and some other publications. These days I write mostly for my blog, theconnectedlibrarian.wordpress.com. In my spare time I read a lot of science fiction and fantasy books, both for children and for adults. I also hike when I can, and I started running about a year ago.

How long have you worked at RES?

This is my fourth year at RES.

Tell us about your educational background/training:

I have a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from the University of Virginia and a master's degree in library and information services from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Plus I've taken a bunch of courses in computer programming and accounting -- very useful skills no matter what your job is.

What's your favorite memory from working at RES?

My favorite memories are of the great pictures and writing my students bring me about books and the library. I love seeing the library program through their eyes. It tells me my work is helping my students connect with new books and new ideas.

Something people would be surprised to know about me is:

I used to be a very shy public speaker. I had to work really hard at talking in front of people before I could offer preschool story times at my first library job. Two years of singing I'm a Little Teapot (with the motions) in front of groups of 30-70 children and adults pretty much cured me of that.