Meet A Member: Kim Blaylock

Technical Services Assistant
Washington County Public Library in Abingdon, VA

When did you first know that you wanted to be a librarian?
Professional Associate here, with a bachelor's in social work. I took my first library position after leaving a very stressful job in an adolescent group home, thinking that it would only last a few years until I had time to figure out exactly what I wanted to do in the field of social work (of which working with adolescents had definitely been ruled out....! lol). Almost 17 years later I'm still here, having found my calling as a cataloger. Huge career difference, I know, but in a way, I'm still helping people find the resources they need to live happier, fuller lives, so maybe not that much different after all....

What was your first library job?
Circulation Specialist at the same library.

What is your favorite part of librarianship?
As mentioned in the first question, helping people find the resources they need to live happier, fuller lives.What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you on the job? Unknowingly walking around all day with a "Mystery" genre label stuck to my upper sleeve, that I must have somehow accidentally snagged at my desk.

If you could have anything in the universe installed in your office for your personal use, what would it be?
A Starbucks, an office cat, & a huge heater!!!!

What is something your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
That I actually do like interacting with some of the little kids that come through the library — some of them really crack me up!

Interview conducted by Gregg Grunow.

Want to be featured on Meet A Member? E-mail Gregg at [email protected].
Don't miss our past Meet a Member features!