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Watchung Branch Welcomes Manny Miracle
About Blog Post
Aug 17, 2023
by SCLSNJ
Share your journey to branch manager:
I fell in love with librarianship at Watchung branch where I worked as a library assistant in the ‘90s. After graduating from Rutgers University with my undergraduate degree I worked as the public relations coordinator for the Library System sharing my love of library services with the public; headquartered at the Bridgewater branch for ten years. After a move to Colorado and obtaining my master’s in library science from Clarion University (PA), I came back to work at SCLSNJ as a librarian at Mary Jacobs and moved to the new Montgomery location where I led the adult services department.
Why Watchung?
I grew up just around the corner, in Warren, attended school at Watchung Hills, and started my first job at the Watchung branch where I developed a love of librarianship and the idea of community. The Watchung branch provided me with a sense of belonging and this is my opportunity to directly give back to the community that impacted my life for the better. As someone who has reaped the benefits of growing up in Somerset County, I have always wanted to give back to the community that shaped me into who I am today. As our daily lives become ever more intertwined with technology it’s vitally important to the health of a community for the library to serve as a third place; a place that is neither home nor work where people can meet their neighbors and feel they are a part of a larger community.
What is your favorite Library resource that you feel should no longer remain a secret?
First of all, I cannot say enough about the treasure trove found on the Library’s website, from cultural adventure passes to Library programs to readers advisory services. However, if I could only pick one thing, I love, love, love Gale Presents: Udemy. Udemy provides high quality video courses taught by professionals in the field on topics ranging from how to build a website to how to be a better listener. Anyone looking to upskill themselves, job seekers looking to add skills in search of better jobs, or employers looking to provide training to their employees should take a peek at this magnificent resource. But, I also love Libby, our e-book and e-audiobook library, or Gale Business DemographicsNow, an incredible resource for entrepreneurs. I really could just go on and on. Stop in and chat with me, I’d love to tell you all about - well, everything!
Recommendations from Manny Miracle:
- “The Stand” (unabridged version) by Stephen King
- “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini
- “The Giver of Stars” by JoJo Moyes.
- “An Absolutely Remarkable Thing” by Hank Green
- “Upgrade” by Blake Crouch
- “The Martian” and “Project Hail Mary” both by Andy Weir