Pinellas Park Library Staff: Dedicated to Reading & Community

The Barbara S. Ponce Public Library in Pinellas Park is home to a team devoted to encouraging reading and serving residents. Staff members bring a variety of backgrounds and a shared commitment to library services.

Senior Librarian Ms. Ginger has worked in public libraries since 1998. After many years as a high school librarian, she now plans engaging events to promote reading. Ms. Ginger reads about Native American history and true crime. Her favorite children's books are from the 'If You Give a Mouse a Cookie' series. A Pinellas County native, she enjoys gardening with native plants, hiking and supporting the local community on her days off.

The Tween/Teen librarian manages materials for students in grades 3-12, runs programs and supervises teen volunteers. This librarian began their public library career in 2020 and earned an MLIS in 2023. Before librarianship, they pursued a master's degree in palaeopathology and taught English in South Korea. They enjoy horror books, recommending Tiffany D. Jackson as a favorite YA author and Katherine Arden's 'Small Spaces Quartet' as a favorite Middle Grade series. When not reading, they care for houseplants, drink tea and play scary computer games.

Michele, who owns nearly 1,000 books, shares her enthusiasm for reading, particularly with children. She anticipates strawberry season each spring for fruit picking and eating. Michele is a parent to one daughter and a grandparent to three.

A staff member in the Youth Services Department since 2019 holds a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design. They bring a love for arts, crafts and bringing outdoor exploration indoors to library programming. With ten years of experience as a Girl Scout troop leader, this individual has developed numerous youth programs for children in grades K-12. They aim to incorporate travel experiences into their programming. Favorite children's authors include A.A. Milne, Julia Donaldson and Chris Van Duessen.

A library assistant works with tweens and teens, sharing a love for Middle Grade books and a desire to help young people discover reading. This assistant welcomes recommendations for books that deserve wider recognition. They also explore fandoms and the creative processes behind books and media. Programs include LEGO League, Art in Action and Graphic Novel Book Club. Percy Jackson-related series and illustrators Dan Santat and Tom Lichtenheld are favorites.

The Barbara S. Ponce Public Library is located at 7770 52nd Street North, Pinellas Park, FL 33781. Residents can call 727-369-0669 or email [email protected].