ALSC Member Profile – Meet Terrie Dorio

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just ten questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. This month, our candidate was randomly selected and was kind enough — and brave enough — to agree to participate. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Terrie Dorio!

1. What do you do and how long have you been doing it?

I have been a youth services librarian since 1979, working at the Main and branch libraries of the Santa Monica Public Library.  I am now the branch manager of one of the branches and continue to be the youth services librarian there.

2.  How long have you been an ALA member?

26 years

3.  Why did you join ALSC?

To meet other children’s librarians, attend conferences, and participate in committees.  I also think it is important to support the national, state and local organizations of your profession.

4.  What are you proudest of having accomplished in your professional career?

Making the library a welcoming place for all kids and teens, one where they feel at home, whether they are here to check books out, do homework or just hang out.  Also, demonstrating to other librarians that working as both a branch manager & youth services librarian can work.

5.  Sudoku or Crosswords? 

Sudoku, but KenKen is even better!

6.  If you could have dinner with one author – living or dead – who would it be and why?

Shakespeare – did he really write the plays?

7.  Favorite part of being a Children’s Librarian?

The variety of everything – telling stories to toddlers in the morning, seeing an elementary school class later and working with teens in the afternoon.

8.  Do you prefer hot weather or cold weather?

I’m a native southern Californian and work in a beach city so I’ll have to go with warm

9.  What would I find in your refrigerator right now?

Leftovers. 

10. What inspires you?

It’s a cliché, but it is the children and teens I work with.  How can you not be inspired by them?

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Thanks, Terrie! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature! (Terrie can be reached at terrie.dorio@smgov.net)

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our monthly ALSC profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to alscblog@gmail.com; we’ll see what we can do.