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An Interview with SMCL’s Tommy McMahon


 

Photo of Tommy  McMahon.

Today we shine the spotlight on Tommy McMahon, who comes to us from San Jose, CA.

What Inspired You to Work in Libraries?

"I've always enjoyed customer service jobs that involve a lot of interaction with people. I worked as a library aide while I was in college and randomly stumbled upon a library clerk job at the library near my house. I quickly grew to love the work and think that it's a really good fit for me."

What Do You Do at SMCL and Where Can We Find You?

"I do a little bit of everything, from creating fliers to circulation to reference to storytimes. I recently spent some time working as a Youth Services Librarian at the Half Moon Bay and San Carlos libraries, but my permanent location is at the Millbrae Library."

(Note: Click here to see more Millbrae Library events, including Drop-In Crafts, T3 Gaming, and Paws for Tales.)

What Do You Like Most About Your Job?

"Even though some may think that this is a quiet, maybe even boring job, it's actually pretty exciting. You never know what is going to happen or who you'll end up talking to. I love interacting with patrons, young and old, and it's a great feeling being able to help them find what they need, whether it's information or entertainment. Libraries are amazing resources and I think people often forget how amazing they are. Good luck finding a store that will say, 'Sure, you can take that home. Just bring it back when you're done.'"

What Would You Tell People About Libraries That They Might Not Know?

"There are no dumb questions. Actually, the more questions, the better. We're here to help, so please don't hesitate to ask a question. There's a thrill in the hunt, so try to stump us and we'll do our best to help you find what you're looking for."

(NOTE: Exactly. Being asked to help is our job! So come in and make our day by putting us on some exciting hunt. You can even E-mail a Librarian if you’d like assistance online. And don’t forget you can always call your local SMCL branch.)

What Are You an (Un)Official Expert On?

"Is it wrong to say 'everything'? Actually, I'm usually pretty good with pop culture references. I know more than my share of useless information."

What Are Your Hobbies?

"A few years ago I would have listed art, music, deejaying, reading about music, and watching tv. Now that I have a two year old and a newborn, I would say, 'Hobbies? What's that?'"

What Book, Movie, and Album Would You Take With You to a Deserted Island?

"Book: Where the Wild Things Are, to provide inspiration for the complete chaos I will invoke as king of my desert island.

DVD: I would take Curb Your Enthusiasm, preferably a future 'the Complete Series' box set with every episode. If I could only take one actual disc, then it would be disc 2 of the second season for the 'Judy Doll' episode or maybe disc 2 of the seventh season for the 'Bare Midriff' episode.

Album: De La Soul's De La Soul is Dead or maybe Wu-Tang Clan's Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).

A common phrase on the island would be, 'I can't believe we have electricity on this desert island' or, 'So glad I brought all of these batteries.'"

Who Is Your Favorite Fictional Character of All Time?

"Larry David, although partially non-fictional."

If You Could Have One Superpower, What Would It Be?

"The ability to tele-transport. That way I could avoid traffic and probably make a living amazing people with my abilities. I'd make some money in an honest, moral fashion (take that you invisibility bank robbers) and I'd be commended for my small carbon foot print."

What is Your Go-To Dessert?

"Figgy pudding. Just kidding, maybe warm pie with ice cream. Speaking of, can I be stranded on a dessert island instead of a desert island?"

In One Word, What Do Libraries Mean to You?

"Access."

 

Author Bio:

Intern Anthony Andora is still searching for a dessert island to strand himself on.


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