Getting to Know Your Ninjas, Parte Tres- ERIN!

Name:  Erin

Where & when were you born: I was born in the wee hours of the morning on February 26 in Dallas, TX (you can send any cards, cakes, or presents to the Studio at Central).

What CD are you listening to right now: People still listen to CDs?! Lately I’ve been listening to Watch the Throne from Jay-Z & Kanye West, some Childish Gambino, and the new Florence + the Machine.

Favorite place in the world: Not to be sappy but anywhere my furbabies and fiancé are is my favorite place.

Favorite quote/saying: I was originally going to go with, “The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones that do” but I felt like this advice from Steve Jobs was too good not to share:

"When you grow up you tend to get told the world is the way it is and your life is just to live your life inside the world. Try not to bash into the walls too much. Try to have a nice family life, have fun, save a little money.

That’s a very limited life. Life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact, and that is - everything around you that you call life, was made up by people that were no smarter than you. And you can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use.

The minute that you understand that you can poke life and actually something will, you know if you push in, something will pop out the other side, that you can change it, you can mold it. That’s maybe the most important thing. It’s to shake off this erroneous notion that life is there and you’re just gonna live in it, versus embrace it, change it, improve it, make your mark upon it.

I think that’s very important and however you learn that, once you learn it, you’ll want to change life and make it better, cause it’s kind of messed up, in a lot of ways. Once you learn that, you’ll never be the same again."

Hobby of choice: I recently bought a house so my hobby lately has been fixing it up the way I want it—painting rooms, putting in new floors and light fixtures, etc. I also love being outdoors so almost any outdoor activity (kayaking, hiking, jogging) is good with me.

Television addiction: My DVR records How I Met Your Mother, 2 Broke Girls, Adventure Time, and any of the NOVA specials. If I’ve caught up on those, I love the Discovery Channel or Food Network. When I’m watching TV I like to laugh or learn something new.

Weird obsession not many people know about:I love learning about wormholes, string theory/m-theory, space time continuum, and any related topics. I also love learning about different conspiracy theories.

Name three things on your bucket list: 1.swim with sharks 2.see the northern lights 3. learn how to ride a darn bike!

Unique Ninja Skill:  My muppet-like arms?

Favorite genres of books: I like to read things about people (real or not) that are a few ticks off what many perceive as “normal.”  I love reading about different lifestyles and cultures.

Favorite thing to post on the blog: I love posting anything—reviews, favorites, book lists, whatever pops into my head. I’d like to start seeing more creative content on here so maybe I need to start doing illustrated book reviews or short videos starring the library ninjas. Any other ideas?

How long have you worked at the library: I’ve worked at the Arlington Public Library for two and a half years. I’ve worked in libraries since 5^th grade when I spent a few mornings a week helping my school librarian put books away and pick out books for displays.

What made you want to work in libraries: I love working with technology and  I recently discovered that I love working with a variety of ages. This job combines both of those loves plus gives me an excuse to wear my hair in a bun!

What is your dream job: Any job where I could get paid to just be awesome (like I am).

Best kept library secret: The librarian secret handshake. They only teach it to you once you get a masters degree in library science.

Advice for teens who want to be librarians: Realize that librarianship is an ever-growing and ever-changing career field. What librarians are doing today is totally different then it was even 5 years ago and will be very different in the near future.

Advice for teens who want to know what to read next: Duh, ask me because I recommend totally awesome books and won’t steer you wrong! Also, the other ninjas are decent book recommenders and we are always creating and updating lists.

Anything to add:

Yeah, this adorable picture of my dog, Jabba. He's totally showing off because he can touch his tongue to his nose. Don't be jelly!