My first day at Boone County Public Library was an interesting one! I started as a Youth Services Associate at the Florence Branch on August 21, 2017 – the day of the Solar Eclipse! I am sure anyone who attended our events remembers it clearly.
I am now a Public Services Associate at the Florence Branch. I process the magazines and maintain several collections including Adult Fiction, Mystery, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, and Large Print. I also assist in other tasks including book displays and programs. What I like most about BCPL are all the resources that the library provides for everyone, be it the physical materials, online databases, and space for group meetings and programs. I believe the staff helps to bring a sense of community to the area.
I grew up in Alexandria, KY and attended Bishop Brossart High School. I graduated from John Carroll University, near Cleveland, with a Sociology degree. I worked at the university library as a student assistant processing material for other libraries. After graduation I stayed in northern Ohio and worked part-time at a homeless shelter and at a public library. I then took on the role as a Mental Health Caseworker for two years. The position was more challenging than expected, and I missed being in a library. I took a position at Rocky River Public Library for a little over a year before returning to Northern Kentucky last summer. I recently began taking online classes for a Master’s in Library Science through the University of Kentucky.
When I was young, I loved roller skating and last year I started training to be a part of a Roller Derby League. This sport isn’t about throwing punches and knocking down other skaters. It’s all about teamwork and strength in numbers. I am really excited to join the Black-n-Bluegrass Roller Girls and look forward to skating in upcoming bouts. My BCPL name is Gina Groeschen, but my Derby name is Gigi Thunder!
In my spare time I like to keep up with current movies / TV shows and enjoy being able to sit down and read a good book. If I had the chance, I would travel more. I love seeing the ocean, and I have been fortunate to visit six countries around the world.