Meet Joan

Congratulations to Joan as the new Children’s Assistant at the May Memorial Library. We are excited to see her bring an creative flair to the team!

How long have you worked with the County?

Just over 3 years.

Where are you from originally?

Here! I grew up coming to storytime at May Memorial.

What are you most passionate about?

Music, cats, literacy, access to education, mental health.

Do you have a hobby?

Maybe too many – sewing, crocheting, cross stitch, embroidery, baking, reading, DnD, piano, guitar, listening to podcasts, cozy gaming, jewelry making…

When you were little, what was your dream job?

An artist, dancer, or doctor.

What was the best part of your week/weekend?

Hanging out with my cat – she’s the purrfect nap partner!

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Probably rattlesnake, though I don’t remember it – I was a toddler, and liked it so much that I ate both my portion and my mom’s. My dad says it tasted like chicken.

What’s your favorite TV Show?

My go-tos are Frasier, Murdoch Mysteries, and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, but I’m always looking for recommendations!

What is your favorite thing to spend money on?

Food, stickers/patches, craft supplies, and new experiences!

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?

The creator of the “eatertainment” chain restaurant Rainforest Cafe convinced uncertain backers to invest in his vision by gutting his Minneapolis home and filling it with artificial waterfalls, trees and plants, custom rock formations, animatronic animals, multiple sound systems, forty live tropical birds, and a baboon. He sold almost everything he owned to do this and still came close to bankruptcy, but it worked – and Rainforest Cafe became iconic.