Since joining the Reading Public Library in 2009, Vicky has helped keep daily operations running behind the scenes while supporting staff across every department. She loves that no two days at the library are ever the same, and over the years, she’s collected plenty of unforgettable stories along the way.
Question: When did you start working at RPL, and what made you interested in working here?
Answer: I started working here February of 2009. The position was in alignment with my previous work experience, including using Quickbooks. Working at the library was a big bonus for me!
Question: What is a day in your job like?
Answer: Aside from processing payroll, payables and receivables, I also provide administrative support to all departments and staff when it comes to getting supplies for their position, or programs. I reconcile all the bank statements, compile reports for the Board of Trustees, complete the passport transmittals and take them to the post office every day… and perhaps the most important task according to our staff – Keeping the vending items stocked!
Question: What is your favorite part about your job?
Answer: My favorite part will always be the staff, but also the fact that I don’t do the same thing every day. No two days are ever the same.
Vicky’s daughter, Jess, holding a tarantula at a Children’s program about bugs at Northwest Branch.
Question: What is your favorite memory of working at Reading Public Library?
Answer: My favorite memory is when both my daughter and son worked at the library at the same time. Today, they are both in the educational field. One is a teacher, and one is a Supervisor of Education in Chester County!
Question: Do you have a favorite library service? If so, what is it and why?
Answer: I always loved bringing my younger kiddos to the Children’s programs years ago. We went to support their older sister when she was the Youth Programming person at the Southeast Branch, but also because the programs were so engaging. We loved the hands-on nature and zoo programs. In one program, we learned a lot about bees that even I didn’t know!
Question: What is a fun fact about you that may surprise people?
Answer: I love to read, but rarely find the time unless I am traveling, and even then, I just listen to audiobooks. I just read The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden (which sat on my nightstand for two years) the other week because I was waiting on my husband, John, to do the 14-mile UltraTrax hike at Bear Creek Mountain Resort. I had nothing else to do but sit in the lobby! Prior to that was Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens while we were driving my youngest around to visit colleges back in 2020. Later on, our Book Club at Main went on to read that same book, so I could finally attend a discussion. All that said, I can attest that the stigma towards people who work at the library sit around a read all day is totally untrue! 😊
