What is the best way to get to know a librarian?  By getting them to dish about books, of course!  Each month, we will introduce you to one of the librarians of Chelmsford Public Library.  This month, we talked to Jamie Phillips, one of the friendly faces you see at the Main Circulation Desk.

Jamie has a bachelor’s degree in Biology from UMass Lowell. He has worked in Biochem, the medical field, and corporate training, but feels most blessed that he was able to stay home with his three children as they were growing up.  When not at work, he can most often be found spending time with his family, mountain biking, or playing chess. Jamie is also an avid animal lover, but only owns cats because he is lazy and they are far easier to take care of than dogs and, he would argue, cuter.

We asked Jamie…

What was your first library?

“Andover Public Library.  Many moons ago, before it was the gargantuan building it is now, they had a metal spiral staircase in the children’s room that we were rarely allowed to go on. I would force myself to look at spider picture books (among others) when I was allowed to sit on the staircase – good times.”

What is on your nightstand right now?

“A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn and Alright, Alright, Alright by Melissa Maerz. This is highly unusual, as I am typically a fiction reader, but I have been told it’s never too late to expand your horizons. My fiction choice is This is Where I Leave You, by Jonathan Tropper. I also have Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess when I’m in the mood for puzzles.”

What book do you love to suggest to patrons?

“That’s difficult!  Many patrons means many tastes. For science-fiction fans, Ender’s Game. If they wind up liking it, there is a whole “Enderverse” of books to read from there. For military/espionage, I like suggesting Rainbow Six by Tom Clancy. For beach reads, I recommend talking to someone else!”

What are your top three desert island books?

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

It by Stephen King

What is your favorite line from a book?

“I know everything I need to know already”, RIgg always said…To which Father always replied, “See how ignorant you are? You don’t even know why you need to know the things you don’t know yet”. – from Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card

What is your favorite place to read?

“On my recliner couch with my legs up or in bed.”

What is the last book the made you laugh or cry (or both)?

“This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper. A patron recommended it to me saying she found it very funny. I agree!”

Why you love working in the library?

“I’ve done many things throughout my career – customer service, collections, training.  Helping patrons who actually enjoy reading and engaging in recommendations, to have them come back asking for more recommendations, is very fulfilling and satisfying.  I especially love watching some people’s bewildered reactions when they realize that the library isn’t the archaic relic they assumed and that we ARE actually a great resource of information and current technology.”