Staff Profile - January 2016

Repeatedly one hears how librarians and libraries made an indelible impression in people's lives in childhood and actually helped set the course of their adult lives. So it was with Paul Schaffner. "Mr. Paul's Painting Programs" are among the many ways he contributes to the enhancement of children's education and development. And like Paul, others remember the importance of librarians and libraries, such as the kudo for Paul copied below this article.

Q: You have been a Library Associate at Southeast Branch since 2006. When and where did you begin with JPL?

A: I started my library career at the Charles Webb Wesconnett Branch, January 21, 2003, as a Library Clerk. Then I transferred to Main and from there I moved to South Mandarin Branch, which was preparing to open ten years ago. We all had the task of getting the library open for the public and we prepared materials for checkout. We shelved everything from boxes. Later, I received my Associate’s degree, which enabled me to be promoted to Library Assistant at the Southeast Branch, December 10, 2006. I have done a lot of different tasks at Southeast, including art programs, story times, and school tours.

Q: Why were you interested in working with children?

A: When I was going through school, I utilized the library to help me with my school projects and assignments. The librarians were always there to help me, if I could not find the information I needed. When I would present my homework and projects to my teachers, I felt more confident that the information I had was correct and I got good grades, thanks to those librarians. In my current role, I am able to help the youth of today with their questions and find the materials they need, just as those librarians assisted me years ago.

Q: How does a Library Associate contribute to the development of children?

A: The way I feel I contribute to the development of children is by doing my music and movement storytime and by answering questions at the reference desk. In my storytime, children learn letters of the alphabet as well as numbers. We also work on rhythms and musical beats.

Q: How do you capture children’s respect and attention?

A: I believe I attain the children's respect and attention by answering their questions, helping them find materials, and teaching them our computer system. When a child realizes how the library system works, they feel empowered.

Q: Are there a couple of things that changed your life forever?

A: The most important and best thing that has ever happened to me was meeting and marrying my wife. That has changed my life forever. She is the most caring, helpful, wonderful person I have ever met in my entire life. Another important milestone in my life was completing my college degree. With that degree, I was able to get the promotion to the position of library assistant. 

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Customer's Kudo:  "I wanted to give some positive feedback on a librarian that I have seen from my elementary days to the present time being my high school career…Mr. Paul (Schaffner).  After seeing him at my local library for the past 10 years, I felt it was about time that someone appreciates him. I feel he deserves recognition for the many children he has helped to find books, displaying his tireless dedication. I think he has acted as a 'librarian father figure,' displaying qualities that portray a willingness to help blossom the minds of our future. If anyone is to truly understand how we can have a good future, it would be to first look at the youngsters of today, those who nurture their learning and educational growth, such as our teachers and librarians; they are true heroes. For these reasons, I would like to congratulate Mr. Paul of the Southeast Branch on being a true hero."