Jessa Darwin:
- Wanted to be one of the X-Men when she grew up (But probably has to settle for one of the New Mutants- Karma was a librarian for a while)
- Would prefer if you didn’t ask about her library fines
- Is a reference associate here at JKM Library
What do you do here at The Jennie King Mellon Library?
I work at the Reference Desk in the late hours of the evening.
What made you choose your current profession?
I decided to go to library school after studying abroad my junior year at university. I was studying philosophy and English literature because I loved both subjects but I wanted to put my love of Heidegger and Woolf to good use. In 2010 I was studying at Oxford in England and spent 6 to 8 hours a day in the libraries. I loved the hunt for the book or article that I needed to complete an assignment and grew to value the role of the librarians there. Not to mention the atmosphere created by such beautiful buildings and collections.
I’ve since discovered a lot of things to love about libraries! I’m interested in Information Literacy and introducing people to new forms of reading besides books. When I’m at work at the public library I try my hardest to introduce kids to visual media like comic books and graphic novels, which I think are awesome ways for them to experience stories and information.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I’m an introvert but I love when I get to talk to someone about their research or reading interests. It’s fun finding out why people look for the things that they do.
What do you like to do on your days off?
Binge watch TV shows on Netflix or read. When the weather’s nice—and sometimes when it isn’t—I like to walk around the city and have lunch or dinner out.
What’s the last thing you checked out?
I check out and never read a lot of books. I think that’s a big librarian secret. I think, “Oh, I’d love to read that!” and then it sits next to my bed for 3 weeks…or 5. Don’t ask about my library fines, it’s embarrassing.
I recently read The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. I have an unhealthy addiction to crime TV shows and this book fueled that fire. Written for young adults, it’s about a group of gifted teens who are recruited by the FBI to help with homicide investigations. It’s fairly realistic; although their referred to as “abilities” they aren’t superpowers. It’s more along the lines of Sherlock Holmes’ gift of deduction. The sequel is coming in November!
What’s your favorite thing about living in Pittsburgh?
The food scene, hands down.
What’s one thing you think everyone should do while they live in the city?
Just one?!