Meet the new Branch Manager for the Mebane Library, Adrian Zeck. We are excited to welcome Adrian to the ACPL team and excited to have him join the Mebane Library team during this time of redoing our spaces to be more welcoming and intentional towards our community’s needs.

How long have you worked with the County?

I’ve been working for Alamance County since February 26th, 2024. I came here from Cabarrus County Public Library where I worked for the last 8 years.

Where are you from originally?

I was born in Minnesota, and raised in Florida. I lived in Raleigh while completing my graduate degree in Parks and Rec at NC State. Then, I moved to Connecticut to work for the National Parks Service. While working in Connecticut, I met my (now) wife, who actually grew up in NC! We returned here, got married, and started our lives together in our favorite state.

What are you most passionate about?

I am very passionate about Hawaiian pizza – Pineapple belongs on pizza– that is the hill I will die on.

Do you have a hobby?

My current hobby is running. I signed up to run the Pittsburgh half marathon and have been training since November. When not running, I enjoy reading, traveling, and playing board games. I also play video games and binge-watch tv to relax!

When you were little, what was your dream job?

Lego set designer or owning a comic book store.

What was the best part of your week/weekend?

This past weekend I ran in my first formal race, the Charlotte Racefest 10k. I really enjoyed getting to run with other people for once! It was so encouraging to have some of my family there to cheer me on and I feel really proud of how well I did. The whole experience got me excited for running the Pittsburgh half marathon in May.

Are you involved in any community projects or organizations?

My wife and I are new to the area so we are still figuring out where and how to get involved. We are excited by all the greater Greensboro area has to offer!

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Definitely a pig’s eyeball. I’ve also eaten rattlesnake and python.

What’s your favorite TV Show?

For rewatchability… maybe Psych? Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Parks and Rec are also both up there for me.

What is your favorite thing to spend money on?

My wife! Mostly, I’m cheap, but I do justify spending money on opportunities to travel, experience culture, and eat good food!

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

That there is a scientific reason why people like the music they listened to in their teen years. I first heard about it on social media, but this is an article from the BBC that goes deeper into the process. They call it “the reminiscence bump.”

We are excited to introduce Ryan Fucs as the new BookMARK driver! We look forward to seeing what his attention to detail and willingness to jump right in and help will do for the Outreach Team.

How long have you worked with the County?
I just started working for the county close to a month and a half ago

Where are you from originally?
Sioux Falls, South Dakota

What are you most passionate about?
Learning, literacy, and humanism. And East European filmmaking, especially from the Czech Republic, Romania, and Hungary.

Do you have a hobby?
Early last year I was awarded an artist microgrant, which has enabled me to learn all the ins and outs of film photography and film development. I enjoy shooting a variety of subjects, but I am especially drawn to street photography and candid portraiture.

When you were little, what was your dream job?
Detective. There’s still time.

What was the best part of your week/weekend?
Dancing with my girlfriend.

If your life was a song, what would the title be?
“(What a) Wonderful World” by Sam Cooke.

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Grilled nopales (cactus paddles) or Tatarský Biftek (raw ground beef and raw egg on toast).

What’s your favorite TV Show?
Twin Peaks. Oh, and just one more thing: Columbo.

What is your favorite thing to spend money on?
Film and books. Lots and lots and lots of books. I like to read a lot of different non-fiction, especially philosophy and sociology, but my fixation lately has been, fittingly, the relationship between money/credit/debt/commercialization and philosophy. And yet, it can’t seem to explain why I spend so much money on books.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?
The German word for “debt” (Schulden) is derived from the German root Schuld, meaning “guilt.”  

Congratulations Michael! For his recent promotion into a full-time Library Assistant position at the May Memorial Public Services department. We look forward to seeing the new ideas and creativity you will bring to May Memorial Library!

How long have you worked with the County?

Almost 2 years now.

Where are you from originally?

I was born in Guilford, and raised here in Elon.

What are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about music, when I can I always have an earbud in. 

Do you have a hobby?

I love reading and gaming.

When you were little, what was your dream job?

Growing up I always wanted to be a veterinarian.

What was the best part of your week/weekend?

Upon receiving a raise this week, I treated myself to some delicious quesabirria tacos.

If your life was a song, what would the title be?

Landslide by Fleetwood Mac.

Are you involved in any community projects or organizations?

Not at the moment, outside of work I’m primarily focused on completing my bachelors.

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

On a trip to Peru I tried Cuy; roasted guinea pig. The dish is considered a delicacy and sign of abundance and good fortune.

What’s your favorite TV Show?

While I have quite a few favorite shows, my current favorite is Breaking Bad or The Office.

What is your favorite thing to spend money on?

Traveling, or a new toy for my pet ferrets.

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

Ferrets are one of the few animals that can contract covid.

We are excited to welcome Sharada as a Library Assistant on the Children’s team at Graham. We look forward to seeing the impact her enthusiasm and personality will bring to the Graham Library.

How long have you worked with the County?

It has been almost a full month, not including holidays.

Where are you from originally?

Durham, North Carolina

What are you most passionate about?

Art of any form. Art and creativity can change how we see the world and lift our spirits.

Do you have a hobby?

I am passionate about printmaking, which involves creating images on paper, fabric, or other surfaces. I also enjoy jigsaw puzzles, specifically those with 2000 pieces.

When you were little, what was your dream job?

When I was a child, my dream job was to become a marine biologist, with a particular fascination for dolphins. I always hoped that one day I could swim with them.

What was the best part of your week/weekend?

My mom is returning from Berlin, Germany this week after spending time with my older sister, 8-year-old nephew, and my brand new baby twin niece and nephew (names Idris and Sakia). I am eagerly waiting to see her and “steal” the pictures she took during her visit to Germany.

If your life was a song, what would the title be?

There is a song called “Sharada” by Skye Sweetnam, which ironically seems to be about me if you ever play it while working with me.

Are you involved in any community projects or organizations?

I am currently involved with the Durham Awesome Foundation, which is a new organization that supports innovative and impactful projects that have a positive effect on Durham. The foundation donates $1,000 to the chosen organization each month, making it an excellent opportunity to give back to the community and support local organizations in Durham.

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

I had an ostrich burger at the NC State Fair.

What’s your favorite TV Show?

Stargate SG-1

What is your favorite thing to spend money on?

Food

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

I am learning different techniques for manifesting and meditating. It’s a great practice to stay positive and think about personal goals and how to achieve them.

We are pleased to congratulate Jaime Graves for her promotion to the Public Services Manager at the May Memorial Library and are excited to see her thrive in her new role!

How long have you worked with the County?

I’ve been with Alamance County for almost five years and I’ve loved every minute of it.

Where are you from originally?

I was born and raised here in Alamance County, not far from Piedmont Dragway.

Do you have a hobby?

I’ve always had hobbies and they change frequently.  I loved baking for many years, then I did all things crafty like quilting, crocheting & cross-stitch.  My current hobby is blinging things out with rhinestones.

When you were little, what was your dream job?

My dream job as a child was being a veterinarian and while I still love animals, I don’t think I love them enough to deal with them everyday.  I love working at the library, creating new displays and new graphics.

What was the best part of your week/weekend?

The best part of my week is Friday evenings, the work week is over, the weekend hasn’t quite started and it’s so relaxing.

If your life was a song, what would the title be?

It would be “Good Riddance” by Green Day; I hope you had the time of your life.  That is my goal in life to find joy in everything I do and experience. And the song is really good too!

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

I’m not sure how weird it is, but I’ve enjoyed boudin before.  It’s a pork sausage made with rice and vegetables.  It was delicious!

What’s your favorite TV Show?

My current favorite tv show is Call the Midwives, but I’ve always loved British shows like The Great British Bake Off & Downton Abbey.  I also a huge fan of documentaries!

What is your favorite thing to spend money on?

Right now, my favorite thing to spend money on is vinyl records.  I love music and listen to it non-stop when I can, so buying vinyl records is just another way for me to enjoy the music I love.

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

While making a poster for the library, I learned that trees can be male or female and they don’t die from old age.  I thought that was very cool! 

We are pleased to welcome Amy Kendrick back to Alamance County and the May Memorial Library as the new Branch Manager!

How long have you worked with the County?

I’ve worked for Alamance County on and off for 25 years. I recently moved here from Catawba County and started this position in November 2023.

Where are you from originally?

I was born in Greensboro and raised in Graham.

What are you most passionate about?

In my career, I’m passionate about supporting my staff.  In my home life, I love being outdoors.

Do you have a hobby?

Hiking, reading, knitting

When you were little, what was your dream job?

To be a children’s book author and illustrator

What was the best part of your week/weekend?

Adopting my new dog Jack

If your life was a song, what would the title be?

Golden by Jill Scott

Are you involved in any community projects or organizations?

Not yet

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

I haven’t eaten anything especially odd, but while in the Peace Corps in Vanuatu, I drank kava. Once was enough for me.

What’s your favorite TV Show?

Ted Lasso

What is your favorite thing to spend money on?

Trail shoes

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

Currently, I’m reading a lot about dog training, and since I’m a first-time dog owner, everything I’m learning is new and interesting.

Kathy Garrison has been a fixture at the May Memorial Library for over 35 years. Now, we are pleased to announce that she has been promoted to a new role in the library! As the new Assistant Director she will be able to take her no nonsense approach to all of the library branches. Congratulations

How long have you worked with the County?
I have been employed with Alamance County for 35 years.

Where are you from originally?
I’m from the small town of Altamahaw Ossipee, which is located in the Morton Township.

What are you most passionate about?
I’m most passionate about my family, my job and coaching and encouraging others to be their best.

Do you have a hobby?
My hobbies are word puzzles, growing new plants, reading, singing and talking.

When you were little, what was your dream job?
My dream job was to be a teacher or lawyer.

What was the best part of your week/weekend?
The best part of my week was coming to work each day conversing with my coworkers and talking with patrons. The best part of my weekend is spending quality time with my family.

If your life was a song, what would the title be?
If my life was a song, it would be I’m Blessed.

Are you involved in any community projects or organizations?
I’m not involved in any community projects or organizations, don’t have a lot of free time.

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
The weirdest thing I’ve ever eaten was bear sausage.

What’s your favorite TV Show?
My all-time favorite TV shows are: The Andy Griffith Show, The Gomer Pyle Show and Pink Panther Show.

What is your favorite thing to spend money on?
I absolutely love spending money on myself (clothes), and my great niece and nephew.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?
The thing that was most alarming to me that I learned recently was the high rate of mental illness.