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Peapack and Gladstone Branch Welcomes Nicole C. Pascoe
About Blog Post
Aug 22, 2023
by SCLSNJ
Share your journey to branch manager:
Coming from the nonprofit world working in family services, it was a very natural step into library work. My first day at SCLSNJ was on Halloween in 2017, so almost six years ago now, and I count myself very lucky to have joined the team. My early work at SCLSNJ focused on developing passport services, notary services, integrating civic engagement, and introducing new services like home borrowing to library users. Working in that area, I often collaborated with our branch manager team and got to spend time in each branch location throughout the System. I was fortunate to be able to work with our entire library community, and I was already very familiar with Somerset County from my prior work for the Pioneer Family Success Center in Somerville. I realized that while I loved working in family services and building community resources over the years, I wanted to take a step in another direction and focus on one community.
Why Peapack and Gladstone?
There is a lot of local pride in the Peapack and Gladstone community. There are families who have been local for generations, new residents moving to the area, vibrant businesses and organizations. Who better to help bring the whole community together than their local library? My first exposure to Peapack and Gladstone was when I worked in passport services and offered a passport application event at the branch. I didn’t know what to expect as the service was brand new and this event was the first of its kind. When I arrived at the Library to set up, there were eight customers already waiting in line! This really made an impression on me and showed me how engaged the community is, and eager to take advantage of library services. For years, I often heard the Peapack and Gladstone branch referred to as "small but mighty," however, now I like to say that our branch is, "small and mighty." We may be small in square footage, but our might is in our resources, programs, collections, and most of all our staff team.
What is your favorite Library resource that you feel should no longer remain a secret?
At Peapack and Gladstone we find ourselves supporting customers in downloading Libby quite often. While there is nothing quite like holding a book in your hands, carrying a whole collection in your pocket has its benefits too. We also often remind library users of our upcoming programs, both virtual and in-person. We really have something for everyone, in-person storytimes and family movie nights as well as book discussions and local history programs. Virtually you can share in an author talk or explore a lecture on one of your favorite subjects from the comfort of your own home. Whether you visit in-person or use resources from home, there are so very many ways to engage with your local library. If you face any barriers to in-person service at the library, be sure to check out our Home Borrowing service. It helps connect customers to a variety of Library services from home.
Recommendations from Nicole C. Pascoe:
- “On Food and Good Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen” by Harold McGee
- "The Forest Feast: Simple Vegetarian Recipes from my Cabin in the Woods" and others by Erin Gleeson
- "The Omnivore's Dilemma: The Secrets Behind What You Eat" by Michael Pollan
- "Salad Freak: Recipes to Feed a Healthy Obsession" by Jess Damuck
- "Meet Me at the Museum" by Anne Youngson