Meet Your Lane Library Staff: Leah Anderson

Every month, we are spotlighting an amazing member of our library staff. This month meet Leah Anderson, Access & Collection Services Manager.

What do you do at the library?

I wear a few different hats at Lane Library. I oversee the Access Services department which manages the day-to-day activities of the library’s physical spaces and books. I also supervise the library’s amazing and super-fast document delivery service, DocXpress.

I am also responsible for purchasing digital and print books for the library. If you have submitted a Suggestion for Purchase to Lane Library, then you have probably heard from me.

What do you like best about the people who use Lane Library?

I admire their dedication to research, patient care, and their studies. Our users are thirsty for knowledge and the resources that support their work. I am always amazed by the high use of our digital resources.

What is the most rewarding (or favorite) part of your job?

It’s a great day when I can help a user find exactly what they need. Our users are very appreciative, and this makes me want to work harder for them.

How long have you worked at Lane?

It will be 4 years in November — almost half of it working from home during the COVID shutdown. Before working at Lane, I was home raising my three kids. I had a part-time job as a professional taste-tester. I miss that job.

What do you do in your spare time?

I love organizing! My husband and I have done a lot of home improvement projects in the house and our backyard the past two years. I am always reading, and I enjoy word puzzles. I love to cook. I collect old cookbooks and can count on a good laugh from old recipes. We have three college-aged kids who keep us busy.

Do you prefer . . .

Coffee or tea? Coffee!

Cats or dogs? We have two cats, and we hope to get a dog when we retire.

Candy or cake? Cake — but why isn’t pie a choice??

Salty or sweet? Sweet

Print or digital books? Both + audiobooks! My bookshelves hold books that resonate with me in some significant way. For escape reading, I rely on digital books. During my long work commute, I listen to audiobooks and NPR.

Nonfiction or fiction? Both — I alternate reading a fiction work with a non-fiction work. I tend to read non-fiction in print.

Summer or winter? Summer for enjoying my backyard; Winter for cozy cooking and reading.