Lauren Canaday, Public Services Coordinator, Bluffton Public Library
How long have you been on the library staff?
Three years in April!
What is the most frequent question you are asked at the library?
I’m not sure we have just one question that is most frequently asked. Our most frequent requests are probably to renew books, assist someone with the public computers, send faxes, or answer questions about one of our many programs.
It’s always funny to get a phone call or e-mail asking a question about a program we’re not offering - to find out that the patron is attempting to contact Bluffton, Indiana or (more often) Bluffton, South Carolina. We keep a count of how many times we get a question about either of them (just for fun) and South Carolina has a good lead.
What’s your favorite author, or authors or book genre?
I love graphic novel memoirs (like Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis), gothic lit (Wuthering Heights, Rebecca), and new nonfiction. I’m always looking for something unique to read and from which to learn. If it’s too similar to something I’ve already read, I’m probably not going to finish it.
How many books might you read in a month?
It depends on my mood. One month I might only skim a few nonfiction books but mostly read online articles or periodicals, and the next month I might read several novels in their entirety. The next month I might mostly listen to audiobooks or watch DVDs. It truly depends. During one of my teenaged summers, I read over 75 books, but I don’t expect to ever have that amount of time available again.
What’s your experience with e-books?
I love eBooks, and eAudiobooks. The Ohio Digital Library is one of my favorite services here at the library. Let me know if you need help with access!
What’s your favorite movie, you know, the one where you could recite the lines with the volume turned off?
I can recite Singin’ in the Rain and The School of Rock with the volume turned down, but I’m not sure they’re my favorite movies. I’ve seen a lot of movies, and that’s such a difficult decision to make.
Is there a book you’ve read that really disappointed you - one where the hype was greater than the actual book?
Plenty. The Grownup by Gillian Flynn comes to mind.
Who is the first person you ever met from Bluffton?
I went to Bluffton University, so I most likely met another student there first, but I can’t remember who it was. The first professor I met with to register for my first semester of classes (nearly a decade ago!) was Lamar Nisly, and now I have the pleasure of working at the library with his wife, Deborah.
If you wrote a book or a book series, what would be the plot?
That’s a question I struggle with every day. I’ve wanted to be a writer since my little self first understood the concept, so I’m always thinking about possible plots… Maybe I’ll decide on something eventually.
What was your first-ever job and how much did you make?
My first job was as a nanny. I also volunteered at the Mud Hens stadium’s concessions to raise money for my high school’s music department several times. I don’t eat hot dogs anymore.
Did you ever take a musical instrument lesson? What instrument and how long did you play it?
Yes, I took piano lessons from age 4 to 18, and sing. I’ve been involved musically in a variety of ways during my life, and would like to get back at it again. I know there are many opportunities to do so in Bluffton - including here at the library.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to be a teacher from a young age up until my senior year of college. I had never even thought to work in a library since I was so sure that I’d be a teacher, but I’m incredibly happy to have ended up here. It’s funny how our plans are many times not what would truly make us happy, but how we still happen upon what makes us happy somewhere along the way.
What do you like about the world?
Animals. Traveling. Long talks with friends. Coffee. Laughing. Sleep.
