No 'shushing!' here: New Kenosha Public Library Director likes a 'loud library'

5-second bio

Name: Sarah M. Townsend

Grew up: Manhattan, Kansas

Education: Bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing from Randolph-Macon Woman's College, master's degree in English Literature from Kansas State University, Master of Science in Information degree from University of Michigan

Family: Husband Eric (a technical writer and fantastic cook) and a 6-year-old son, Charlie

Previous job experience: Has worked in public libraries in Kansas, Michigan and Virginia, most recently for 11 years with the Suffolk Public Library in Suffolk, Virginia

What brings you to Kenosha? We wanted to move back to the Midwest after many years in Virginia. With family close by in the Chicago area, Kenosha was the perfect spot. Kenosha as a community has tons to offer, including Lake Michigan, so we didn’t have to completely give up our beach life. It’s a city with a small-town feel, and we love how everyone seems to know each other and how staunchly loyal everyone we met was to this community. It is a community with deep roots and grit. This library system has an incredible national reputation and once I met the team, I knew this is where I wanted to be.

Why did you want to be a librarian? This is a career that allows me to use some of my academic background in literature and writing and my love of community engagement and working with the public. I get to interact with people from all walks of life every day and devote my time to empowering each of them to reach whatever goal they may have in using the library. It’s truly the coolest job!

What do you like to do when you’re not working? My family and I love to explore the outdoors and are looking forward to making good use of our Wisconsin State Park pass. We love a good farm stand, MLB baseball games — both major and minor league — road trips and also exploring local restaurants. I’ve recently discovered a love of playing video games with my 6-year-old. I’m terrible at them but love watching him get really in to trying beat me.

Do you have a favorite book? What a hard question for a librarian. A favorite book of mine growing up was "Matilda" by Roald Dahl.

What are you reading now? "Sunrise on the Reaping" by Suzanne Collins.

What will you read next? With my son, we're reading "New Kid" by Jerry Craft.

What’s your “guilty pleasure” book? I don’t feel guilty at all about it, but I love a good romance novel. Most recently I enjoyed "Romantic Comedy" by Curtis Sittenfeld about a female comedy writer on a late-night sketch show, a fictionalized version of "Saturday Night Live."

If you wrote a book, what would it be about? In honor of my late best friend, I’d love to write something about the incredible people who find their homes and their people in libraries. She worked in libraries until she died and was a light in her community. She was best known for her silly storytimes and epic Fall Festivals, where countless families found support and friendship.