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 Marty Mason, Youth Services Librarian.

Marty has worked as a Youth Services Librarian at CPL since June 2018. She loves reading all kinds of books, but you’ll most likely find her with her nose buried in some Children’s or YA fantasy, historical fiction, or mysteries. When she’s not at the Library, you may find her performing in a local theatre production, hanging out with her book club (some of whom she’s known since 1st grade), drinking lots of coffee and tea (preferably with a good book and a cat on her lap), or spending time outdoors with her family.

We asked Marty…

What was your first library?

“The first Library I worked at was the Peace Dale Library, in Wakefield, Rhode Island. I started there as a page and circulation assistant at 14, and have loved working in libraries ever since.”

What books are on your nightstand right now? 

Anxious People by Fredrick Backman.

What book do you love to suggest to patrons? 

“Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend. This book is the first in a series that I often recommend to readers who loved Harry Potter. It is a fun, magical adventure with a brave, smart female protagonist and a genuinely lovable cast of characters. And there’s a giant talking cat. I rest my case!”

What is your favorite line from a book? 

“You must do something to make the world more beautiful.” from Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

Where is your favorite place to read? 

“Curled up on the corner of my sofa in the sun with a blanket and cat on my lap, and something to drink within reach.”

What book would you most like to read again for the first time?

“Probably Little Women by Louisa May Alcott! It is my favorite book, and was the first “big book” I ever read by myself as a child. I instantly re-read it 3 more times, and periodically revisit it, once every year or two. I can’t remember the last time I read a book and felt the need to compulsively re-read it like that. I’d love to experience that feeling again.”

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

“My current read, Anxious People, has made me both tear up and laugh out loud! Backman has a style of capturing human thought and emotion that really speaks to me. I highly recommend checking out one of his books!”

Why you love being a librarian?

“I love getting to know my colleagues and our library patrons, reading and then talking about books, and getting to know the kids and teens that come to the Library. I think running programs is one of my favorite parts of my job, because I love discovering new books, getting creative, being silly, and doing the hokey pokey at least once a week.”