Hello, Friends!

I'm Rachel Nard, one of the new ALCA interns for 2009-2010.  I'm super excited about this internship, and I'd like to take a few moments to introduce myself.  I live with my family in the Brighton Heights area on the North Side of Pittsburgh, where I've lived my entire life.  I work part-time as a camps/classes Instructor at Carnegie Science Center (which is so much fun!!!), also located on Pittsburgh's North Side.  I recently graduated from Chatham University with a BA in English Literature and Spanish/Certificate in Latin American studies.  I love practicing Spanish, and I actually had the chance to study in Costa Rica for one month as an undergraduate.  I just started my first semester of graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh in the School of Information Sciences, specifically the School Library Certification Program.  My goal is to become an elementary school librarian, because I especially enjoy working with younger children!!  Naturally, I absolutely love children's literature!   

I love to spend time with my family and friends more than anything.  In my spare time, I like to go hiking, bike along the Ohio River Trail near my house, watch movies, do fun crafty things, and of course, read!!!  I'm also a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

I have lots of favorite books, but one of my favorite series is Harry Potter!  Some of my newer favorites are Victoria Forester's The Girl Who Could Fly (beautifully written and equally inspirational), and Stuart's Cape by Sara Pennypacker.  I also adore Dr. Seuss books, Where The Wild Things Are, and The Magic School Bus.  As far as grown-up books are concerned, I am a big fan of The Host, The Secret Life of Bees, Much Ado About Nothing, and Joe Turner's Come and Gone, to name a few.  

I'm very excited about this internship, especially working on Summer Reading 2010's water theme.  Exploring the function of the library as a community gathering space is of great interest to me, so I'm eager to learn more about this during my time here at ACLA.

I look foward to working with you all!!!

Me in the West End enjoying the beautiful September weather!  Thanks to Lindsey for being an awesome photographer :-)