Library technician Amy Patton was not always surrounded by books. Although a helpful presence at the Lake County Library over the past 15 years, she worked in a water testing lab, owned her own cleaning business and more before eventually volunteering to help out at the library. In fact, growing up in San Jose she was dyslexic and had a difficult time reading. Even completing class work was a chore. Now, Patton is well known to those in the county who love to read, young and old.
1. Was it frustrating as a kid, not being able to read much?
Oh, I have terrible scars. To get through school I had to do 100 percent of the homework, 100 percent of the extra credit, and that was to get a C. Frustrating doesn”t describe it.
2. Now, do you find that experience helps?
Oh, yes. I”m a great believer in literacy programs. We have them. I see adults who struggle reading. When they succeed it”s so incredible.
3. How important is a library to a community?
Super important. There are so many things we offer. One person couldn”t own all this–the books, the internet access, the movies, the programs. The library is such a good idea, universally. To share entertainment and education–who”d want to do without either of those?
4. Do you have to love books to work in a library?
I think you need to love people, because you have to help them find information.
5. What”s your favorite book?
Pride and Prejudice. It is my favorite. It”s the book I”ve reread more times than any other.
6. What is it about that book that you like?
I like the irony in it. I like the true romance in it. I like the courage of the women. I like to see the underdog win.
7. In 15 years how have things changed?
A lot has changed. When I started we were still stamping books and using cards and pockets. There weren”t any computers. We weren”t doing programs and displays. We do those all the time now. Being computerized means we can borrow from a lot of places. It makes it easier to help people.
8. So the library is bigger because of technology.
We merged with Sonoma County and Mendocino County, of course. But we can borrow anywhere. Now you can look up a book on your home computer and reserve it.
9. Ever shush anyone?
Yes. I”ve been shushed twice this week myself–once by our director.
10. Did you get thrown out?
No, I”m not that bad.
