Meet the JKM Library Staff: Kristi Hruska

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Kristi HruskaKristi Hruska

  • Spent four weeks in Taiwan
  • Once endured eight hours of reconstructive jaw surgery
  • Won a national dance competition with her Hawaiian dance group

What do you do here at The Jennie King Mellon Library?

My official title is a Library Access Services Aide, but I’m better known as one of the students at the Circulation Desk that helps you check out your library books.

 What made you want to get a job at the Library?

I worked in the library in high school to get out of my study hall. When I found out that I was eligible for work-study in college, I was glad to find that my previous library experience could come in handy.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

I love the wide array of people I get to interact with here. Chatham has such an eclectic student body, but the one thing we all have in common is that we all need to go to the library.

If you could do one thing to change/improve the JKM Library- with no worries about time or expense, what would you do?

I wish we had comfier chairs, more tables, and an infinite number of group study rooms. Longer hours would be great, too – especially opening earlier on Sundays.

What’s the last thing you checked out?

I checked out 10 Things I Hate About You from our Media Collection…it’s one of my favorite movies! In terms of books, my patron account is pretty boring. I currently have a cookbook, some of my textbooks, and a few books for tutorial. I wish I had more time for leisurely reading.

What book do you think everyone should read? Why?

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. It’s about the rise of the Taliban and the Afghan revolution from the view of a young boy growing up in Afghanistan. I only ever learned the American viewpoint about these things, especially after 9/11, so this book really put things into perspective for me.

I also love The Perks of Being a Wallflower. It’s such a quick and easy ready, but it’s so realistic and relatable. It makes me cry and reevaluate my life every single time I read it. Each time, something different stands out to me.

Both of these books are in our library – I try to sneak them into the Popular Reading section when they’re not already checked out!

What’s your favorite thing about living in Pittsburgh?

EVERYTHING! I’m such a Yinzer, born and raised. It’s a big city with a small town feeling. I love going to the Pirates games, being able to walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge, and listening to the Sax Guy. I love how close the suburbs are – you’re outside of the city, but close enough to be there in twenty minutes. I’m open to leaving for a bit and experiencing other places, but I ultimately want to raise a family and grow old right here in Pittsburgh.

What’s one thing you think everyone should do while they live in the city? (This includes restaurant recommendations, of course)

You must, must, must go to the West End Overlook. Mount Washington is overrated and usually crowded, and the view from West End is much better. Then, you have to get a Primanti’s sandwich – and no asking for the fries or slaw on the side!

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