As you can see in Curt
Beadell’s answers, he is a kaleidoscope of creative talent and that rare ability to view life from another’s “window”. You wonder why we have his baby picture? Well, we asked him to send his favorite picture of himself to include with this article and this is it. He was a beautiful baby and he is an interesting guy.
Q: As a Teen Librarian your Model the Way award was based mostly on adult programs. How did you plan and execute both teen and adult programs so successfully?
A: The Adult Book Club was probably the easiest to implement since the adults came to me asking if there was a book club. However, it did take several months to get everyone together and start the club. The attendance of each individual varies from one month to the next but each meeting has 10-12 who participate. The Chess Club stemmed from the increasing number of patrons who checked sets out at the reference desk. Attendance varies from 5-20 including a local chess club that drops in occasionally to challenge new players. The other programs that work successfully were inspired by community activities that indicated the library would be a suitable site for not only finding one more place to enjoy a cultural outlet but also to meet others with a similar interest.
Q: What previous experience has helped you most with your current responsibilities?
A: My experience as a paralegal was invaluable in working with a wide variety of clients. Multi-tasking and setting priorities helped in meeting deadlines that have at times been surprisingly challenging working in a library setting. My experience in the corps
de ballet with a major ballet company gave me the opportunity to work with luminaries on the world stage. This magic translates to my daily work in the library. Within a short walk, I can find Piaget in the 100s, renew my acquaintance with Nureyev in the 700s or delve into the somber past with Elie Wiesel in the 900s.
Q: Keeping up with fast-paced teenagers is a challenge. How do you keep them interested and coming back to JPL?
A: Books. The circulation of teen books at Pablo Creek has been demanding on many levels so it is obvious that teens still go to the library for traditional purposes. Providing the reading material they seek for recreational purposes and for school requires constant attention. Teens also look to the library to complete required community service, so it behooves me to make those opportunities available to them in order to maintain their positive opinion of the library.
Q: Why is “Teen Librarian” a good fit for you?
A: My first career as a ballet dancer required me to work closely with teens even after I turned forty. I have been told it took me about 25 years to grow out of my adolescence because of the nature of that career so perhaps I still think like a teen.
Q: Have teens taught you anything special?
A: I have learned from teens that it is healthy to explore new interests in order to develop as an individual and lead a more satisfying life. When teaching ballet to teens, I watched with disappointment as talented students stopped taking classes in order to participate in sports or other artistic endeavors. Later, some returned and are now enjoying successful careers as dancers.
Q: Do you have a favorite book or movie of all time?
A: Sir Walter Scott’s “The Lady of the Lake.” The book and the silent film.
Q: What was outstanding about it?
A: Besides embroidering the history of Scotland with magical threads, the songs in this poem include “Ave Maria” and “Hail to the Chief.”
Q: What place in the world would you moist like to visit?
A: I have already been to most of the places I would like to visit. However, my wife would like to go to Australia and New Zealand so I guess that would be my priority.
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