The Real Librarians of Chelmsford
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 Lisa Francine, one of our Reference Librarians.
Lisa comes from a multi-generational family of readers. Some of her favorite memories, as a child, include: weekly excursions to her home town library; sharing and discussing favorite books with whomever would listen; and taking on any odd jobs around the house to supplement her allowance so that she could purchase new and used books for her personal library! Lisa loves children’s and young adult fiction as she was a school librarian for 15 years. In the adult realms of reading, she enjoys mysteries, historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, narrative nonfiction, and graphic novels. When not reading, Lisa enjoys gardening, standup paddle boarding, biking, and walking her dogs.
We asked Lisa…
What was your first library?
“Sharon Public Library (MA) was my hometown library that I visited weekly with my mother (and later younger brother). I have vivid memories of being allowed to wander the stacks by myself, and by the time I was a tween I was issued an adult library card. There was no limit on the number of books you could check out. I was always delighted to leave with a HUGE pile of books that I chose, and could read, skim, peruse to my heart’s content before returning the following week to start all over again!”
What is on your nightstand right now?
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
How the Word Is Passed by Clint Smith
The Conductors by Nicole Glover
What books do you love to suggest to patrons?
Race the Sands by Sarah Beth Durst
A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Top five favorite authors?
What is your favorite place to read?
“Our living room couch with one – three of our pups sleeping beside me or on me!”
What series would you most like to read again for the first time?
The Wee Free series by Terry Pratchett
Your favorite character from a book?
Lucy Penvensie from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
Why do you love being a librarian?
“I am immersed daily with sharing books, technology, and assisting patrons with their research needs. I am able to collaborate with exceptional colleagues on programs that engage and support the community. My lifelong learning mindset always has an antennae or two out so that I can continue learning professionally with the variety of skills required for the job.”