Welcome to our second edition of "DPPL People," when we take you behind the scenes of the Des Plaines Public Library and let you learn more about one particular staff member.Today I'm pleased to introduce you to Phyllis Johnson. (No, she is not related to last month's DPPL Person, Roberta Johnson - just a happy coincidence!)
Ironically, even if you are the most devoted visitor to the library's main location on 1501 Ellinwood Street in Des Plaines, you may have never seen Phyllis. That's because Phyllis is the heart, soul and driver of our Mobile Library. So while the rest of us are holding down the fort (so to speak), Phyllis is behind the wheel, bringing the library and its resources directly to the neighborhoods, schools and community organizations of Des Plaines. Want to learn more about the services of the Mobile Library? Click on this link. Want to learn more about the woman behind the warm welcome and helpful service you receive on the Mobile Library? Keep reading and get to know Phyllis Johnson as she answers this month's DPPL People questionnaire.
Three words that describe your current state of mind are…
Today I feel tranquil, confident and determined. I’m glad I didn’t start this on Friday when I was feeling mad, teary, and depressed.
What is your most treasured possession?
My most treasured possessions are my memories. Everything else doesn’t amount to a hill of beans.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I love to purchase a fine piece of jewelry every now and then.
Who are your favorite writers?
Dean Koontz, Edward Rutherford, Janet Evanovich, Douglas Preston, Terry Pratchett, and Khaled Hosseini to name a few.
Who are your favorite heroes of fiction (in writing, film, drama)?
Odd Thomas, Luke Skywalker, and Stephanie Plum.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Teachers are my heroes. Where do they get the patience, fortitude, and anger management skills?
Name three persons/characters from history with whom you would like to have dinner.
I would like to have dinner with Amelia Earhart, Plato, and Leonardo Da Vinci.
I’d ask Amelia to file a flight plan, Plato to explain life, and Leonardo what is that smile all about.
My husband, Bill, a teacher. (Editor's note: now we know why Phyllis has such appreciation for the difficulties teachers must endure!)
Who is your favorite artist?
My favorite artist is Manet.
Who is your favorite musician?
Sting floats my boat.
The quality you admire most in a man is…
integrity.
The quality you admire most in a woman is…
an independent attitude.
Biggest pet peeve?
Drivers who cut me off when I’m driving the Mobile Library. I cannot stop on a dime or even a quarter. Give me some space!
Favorite food?
Desserts – any desserts!
What three words would your closest friends use to describe you?
Today kind, fair, generous. Last Friday mean, insane, and cheap.
Why did you choose to work in a library?
The challenge of learning to drive a Mobile Library was on my Top 10 List of Things to Do.
What is your favorite thing about the Des Plaines Public Library?
By far, the patrons.
Name one, and only one, "desert island" book, CD or movie. Only one.
War and Peace by Tolstoy. I never have the time to read it.
Phyllis is one of the nicest DPPL people around. Thanks for featuring her on the blog.
ReplyDeleteThe meet DPPL People column is most interesting. Because my mommy works there, I know a number of the people at the Library; some have met me. I see the mobile library drive by my house and I get all excited about it. It’s nice to meet Phyllis and know she’s driving the mobile library. Phyllis, how do you park the mobile library in the Library building? Do the books have to squeeze together then? How do you keep the books on the shelves when driving over potholes?
ReplyDeleteThere is a brick dedicated to me and my sister in Library Plaza. (Buying a brick is a good way to honor your best friends and family.) ~ Toozer.