Erin Simpson
- Loves Thai food and jazz music
- Has worked in several libraries prior to her position at JKM
- Graduate student working on her Master’s of Counseling Psychology degree
What do you do here at The Jennie King Mellon Library?
I assist the Access Services Librarian, Amy Lee Heinlen. This means that my main job is to fill Interlibrary Loan requests for our students and faculty members. I also assist in keeping the Curriculum Collection tidy and you may see me behind the desk checking books in and out as well.
What made you want to get a job at the Library?
I have a lot of experience in libraries. I worked as the Teen Librarian of a town in Indiana, and took quite a few graduate courses in Library Science in order to uphold standards and provide the best library services I could. I worked through High School and Undergrad in my hometown library as well, and spent my elementary years helping my mom shelve the books in my small private schools library. Even though my degree is in Counseling, I want to always have a foot in the library because that is home!
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A Librarian.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I really enjoy helping students and faculty find articles and books to advance their education. I can’t help but wonder if one of these articles might save a person’s life or change the world!
What do you like to do on your days off?
Spend time reading, sit on my porch, learn new things, and laugh a whole lot.
What’s the last thing you checked out?
The Genogram Journey: Reconnecting With Your Family – In the counseling psychology field, genograms are introduced as a way to learn about and understand our heritage and who we are. It’s basically an elaborate family tree. This particular book is interesting as it includes multiple genograms of famous people. For instance, the Bronte Sisters are highlighted and their ancestry is included, complete with mental health history, affairs, talents, etc… It’s incredibly interesting.
What book do you think everyone should read? Why?
Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis.
So many reasons. I wouldn’t even call it my favorite book, but I would call it one of the most important and incredible books I’ve ever read. It’s a retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche from the point of view of Psyche’s sister. Jealousy, loss, and what to do with all of it is a central theme. I could read it 100 times and still not fully grasp all of it’s layers of meaning and wisdom.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Pittsburgh?
Thai Food and Jazz
What’s one thing you think everyone should do while they live in the city? (This includes restaurant recommendations, of course.
Go to Jamestreet Gastropub and Speakeasy on Tuesday night for a jam session. Get a burger and some fries and listen as some of the up and coming jazz musicians in Pittsburgh take the stage.