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!  This series introduces you to one of the librarians of Chelmsford Public Library.  This month, we talked to Sara Dempster, Head of Youth Services.

Sara has been working with youth in libraries since 2010.  Luckily for us, Sara moved to Massachusetts and started as the Head of Teen Services at CPL in January of 2017. She has been Head of Youth Services since March 2018.  When not at the library, she enjoys reading across all genres (especially graphic novels and manga), playing video and board games, baking, and cycling.  She also takes every opportunity to show off her beloved pets, as you can see by the photos she sent us with her answers!

We asked Sara:

What was your first library?

“It probably comes as no surprise that my first library memory is of going to storytime!  My childhood library was the Crowell Public Library in San Marino, California, where, besides storytime, I have vivid memories of my mother teaching me how to use the card catalog to find books.”

What is on your nightstand right now?

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

What books do you love to suggest to patrons?

“This is a tough question because it depends so much on the individual reader! I love recommending anything by Tana French to adult readers looking for mysteries! For children, one of my favorite fun series to recommend is The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani, which is wonderful for kids who are ready to move on from Ever After High to a more challenging read. And my favorite book to recommend to teens is All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill, a moving story about love, friendship, and time travel.

What book should be adapted to film that hasn’t yet?

“Red Rising by Pierce Brown would make an amazing Game of Thrones-like TV show.”

Where is your favorite place to read?

“On a cozy couch with one of my cats on my lap and my dog by my side.”

 

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

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.

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

“The last series that made me both laugh and cry was Tokyo Revengers by Ken Wakui—a manga series about a man who is sent back in time to his days as a young delinquent in order to prevent the death of the girl he lost but still loves. It’s a dark story about persistence, growing up, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship that is equal parts heartbreaking, heartwarming, and hilarious.”

 

 

Why you love being a librarian?

“I love connecting people—especially kids—with books that they’ll love. Everyone deserves to see themselves in the books that they read, and it’s incredibly meaningful to be able to help with that, especially in tough times.”