A new 5 questions with interview is here! For this instalment, we had the pleasure of interviewing Kristine den Boon, Director of Service Delivery at the Marigold Library System.

Marigold Library System is a not-for-profit municipal collaborative of 42 member municipalities in Southern Alberta that serves 358,349 residents. It was established with the vision of providing cost-effective, quality library service to both urban and rural residents through the sharing of collection material, resources, and expertise.

Read Kristine's answers to our questionnaire below.

1. Which myth about libraries or library staff do you most want to bust?
Library work isn’t as glamorous as sitting around reading all day (unfortunately), but it is infinitely more rewarding to ensure that information is getting into the hands of the people who need it. Libraries are about so much more than just books — they are a community hub that gives space for people from all political persuasions, cultural backgrounds, socioeconomic classes, and walks of life to gather to learn, relax, and reflect.

2. What compelled or inspired you to pursue library work?
This is funny considering my answer above, but the fact that I love books and reading! Once I started my MLIS and realized the greater good that libraries offer, my reason for continuing in library work changed, but that was the impetus.

3. What has been your favourite library event?
In my previous position as a library assistant at a public library, I was able to write two puppet shows with a coworker and put those on. They were so much fun, and the kids loved them! I love my job, but I occasionally miss the interactions with patrons, especially children with stars in their eyes upon entering the library.

4. What is the most pressing issue facing libraries today?
I think it’s a toss-up between funding and challenges to intellectual freedom, and to an extent, those go hand in hand. The ability to stand up for intellectual freedom and against book bans can only go so far when library staff are stretched too thin to do their basic duties, let alone fight for their library, programs, and collections.

5. What forthcoming book are you most excited about?
My TBR on Goodreads is insanely long, but my hold of Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros just arrived, so that’s at the top of the list now! Another one that just came out that I’m looking forward to reading is The Garden Within by Dr. Anita Phillips.

BONUS: Printer jams! What is the most surprising thing in your day to day that you spend more time on than you were prepared for?
Delivery routes and vehicles! Not once did I expect to be in charge of deliveries and shipments and maintaining and purchasing vehicles!

Thank you Kristine for taking the time to answer our questionnaire! Read more instalments of our 5 questions with series here.

Are you a library staffer, Canadian independent bookseller, or small publisher interested in being featured in our 5 questions with blog series? Get in touch!