By Haeley Huggard, reporter
Hidden across from the reference desk in Delta College’s library is a nondescript room. In this room is a cluster of offices that house the many librarians of Delta. One of these offices belongs to head librarian, Michelle Pratt.
Pratt has worked at Delta for five years. She works persistently in keeping library operations running smoothly. This means that she manages the library staff and ensures policies and procedures are being followed, as well as conducting library instruction courses and promoting the library.
She also makes time in her schedule to give a friendly ‘hello’ to each of her colleagues and student workers.
“Every day is different,” says Pratt. “That’s part of what I like. […] My favorite part of my job is helping students.”
Pratt was hired into Delta as a library manager. Before coming here, she worked as a library director at another academic library for 19 years.
She also has many interests aside from work. She enjoys walking in the woods, visiting her friends and family and relaxing in her free time. One of her favorite ways to relax? Reading, of course.
“I’m a big fan of fiction,” says Pratt. “I have several favorite authors; one of my favorite books is ‘The Charm Bracelet’ by Viola Shipman. One of my early memories is riding my bike to the public library. My goal that summer was to read every one of the young adult fiction books.”
Pratt has wanted to be a librarian ever since her days in middle school. She also earned her teaching certificate in English, enabling her to teach along the way to becoming a librarian.
Being a librarian isn’t always as mundane as it seems. Sometimes, the library can be full of interesting people and unexpected surprises.
“A couple of years ago, the handle of the water faucet in the restroom broke off and water shot to the ceiling,” Pratt recalls. “Within a few minutes, the hallway was flooded.”
In more recent years, Pratt has seen students hauling pumpkins into the library for Halloween — carving them right on the tables.
Despite all the interesting things that happen in the library, it is still a place filled with many resources and helpful people. The most important thing to remember is that librarians are here to help students, not to shush them.
“The librarians are your friends and have many resources to help you – just ask!” Pratt says.
