ALSC Member of the Month — Julie Dietzel-Glair

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 a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten (plus one) questions with ALSC member, Julie Dietzel-Glair.

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

The better question may be — What haven’t I been doing for the past two-and-a-half years? After 11 years as a children’s librarian and then an assistant children’s services coordinator in public libraries, I left to pursue my own career as a Freelance Writer and Library Consultant. I wrote a book, Books in Motion: Connecting Preschoolers with Books through Art, Games, Movement, Music, Playacting, and Props, and it was published in 2013 by Neal Schuman (ALA Editions). I’m currently writing the Early Literacy Manual for the 2015 CSLP summer program and I have ideas for a couple more professional books. I do training sessions for library staff (thank you Texas, Wisconsin, and local librarians). I present Books in Motion programs for children. I keep up with new titles by reading and discussing books with Capitol Choices. I even did a three-month stint as a middle/high school librarian when I filled in during a colleague’s maternity leave. In my spare time, I write fiction for children and dream of seeing my name on a book in an independent bookstore.

2.      Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?

I joined ALSC in order to get involved and give back. I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the Budget, Education, Newbery Medal, Nominating, Organization and Bylaws, and Scholarships Committees (alphabetical order so that I don’t show favoritism even though I am that dork that loves the process committees). Little did I know how much I would learn and confidence I would gain. Plus, I’ve made some of the best friends of my life; I think I could drive across the country and never pay for a hotel room.

3.      What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

My floating home. Seriously, my husband and I sold our house last year and bought a boat to live on. It’s completely nuts but also the best move I ever made. We have a great community and the best views in Baltimore.

4.      How much time to do you spend on a computer each day?

8-10 hours each day — way too many. But, in my defense, it can be hard to get work done when a cat sits on my arms or the keyboard.

5.      What motivates you?

My husband. We’ve been married for 12 ½ years and he is the most driven and giving soul. I’m motivated by the desire to give him at least half of what he has given me. Being successful means we can travel, explore, and live life to the fullest.

6.      Are you looking forward to Spring?

I’m ready to take up a collection to help Mother Nature pay her heating bill.

7.      E-books or Print?

Print, print, print! However, I’m slowly coming over to the dark side because of NetGalley and a lack of physical space on my boat.

8.      Legos or Lincoln Logs?

My brother and I were given Lincoln Logs for Christmas one year and we played with them every day for an entire month (my mother actually kept track). I’m a big fan of Legos and wish I had some to play with as the perfect procrastination device.

9.      If you could be on a game show, which show would it be?

Remember Press Your Luck? I wish they would bring that back. “No Whammys!”

10.  What is your dream vacation?

Island hopping in the British Virgin Islands or traversing America’s Great Loop. Basically pulling up anchor and finding somewhere new.

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

Storytime! I have a passion for discovering and sharing picture books. I love getting “paid” in hugs and cookies. It is amazing to see a baby walk for the first time because they are mimicking another baby in storytime. I love being one of the first people a mother calls so I can share the news of her newest baby with the rest of the group. I’m devoted to instilling a love of books in the youngest generation.

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Thanks, Julie! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature! You can follow Julie on Twitter @JulieDGWrites or email her at julie.dietzelglair (at) gmail.com.

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly 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.