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 questions with ALSC member, Polly Ross.
1. What do you do and how long have you been doing it?
I’m a children’s librarian, I’ve had that title since I finished my MLIS in 2008,first at a couple of branches of DC Public Library, and now at Aurora Public Library in Aurora, Ontario, Canada. Currently, my job description is a little more supervisory and administrative than it was in DC, but I still do tons of programs and outreach, and think I have the best job in the world!
2. Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?
Because it would be insane to be a children’s librarian and not belong. Even though I’ve been home in Canada now, I still belong to ALSC (and PLA, and GLBTRT) because delightful though Canadian library associations are, they just can’t offer the same breadth of awesomeness that ALA and its divisions, round tables, etc. do.
3. Do you have a favorite holiday treat to prepare or eat?
Springerle, a type of German Christmas cookie flavoured with anise seed—nothing beats German Christmas cookies of any kind! Although Peanut Blossoms, a peanut butter cookie with a Hershey’s Kiss on top, are also pretty fabulous.
4. What’s the last book you recommended to a friend?
The Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay, which is one of the best fantasy stories ever—but not for children.
5. Are you a dog person or a cat person?
Both. I have three cats currently (Tabitha Twitchit, Christopher Robin and Bartholomew Cubbins), but the minute I stop living in small apartments I’m getting at least one dog as well—oh, and I’m also a rat, fish, hamster and ferret person.
6. Who is the last person you said thank you to?
The Teacher Librarian at the school I’ve spent all week demonstrating 3D printing at—she did a lot of work arranging it so we could visit all the classes, and she’s letting us take over half her library for the duration.
7. Coffee, tea, water… or something else?
Coffee. I would never be able to survive the morning-heavy (story time) nature of my job without it!
8. What was your favorite book as a child?
At different times, Outside Over There (Sendak), Gumdrop Finds a Ghost (Val Biro), Babar Visits Another Planet, Nancy Drew: Captive Witness, and Simon (Rosemary Sutcliff).
9. Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
Currently just piercings, my ears and a small nose stud, but I have a yearning for a picture book character tattoo, or possible something from Edward Gorey—maybe for my next birthday.
10. What volunteer or altruistic activities are you involved with?
I’m a Brownie Leader— just got my 20 year pin in the mail from Girl Guides of Canada (and I was also with Brownies for two years with GSUSA while I worked in the US)! I also mentor (if that counts), currently just with ALSC, but sometimes also with the Ontario Library Association. I’ve also been known to teach Sunday School and I’m about to see if I can sign up to mind a donations kettle for the Salvation Army this holiday season. And I can almost always be guilted in to giving help with any cause, at least in the short term.
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Thanks, Polly! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!
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.
Cindy Warren
I loved to read this article about Polly Ross. She spent part of her childhood being a close neighbor. I have always known her to be a kind and caring soul. I have witnessed her love of pets as well. It is really nice to be able to read about someone you know. Thank you very much!!