Meet the Staff

For this week’s staff profile, meet Ladd Library Branch Manager Stephanie Hall, who started working at the Library in 2015.

What does your job typically include?

I manage the building, so I take care of maintenance issues by informing those who can help. I keep track of staff with breaks and lunches, to ensure the floor is covered and everyone is doing well. And I work with patrons who need more help than a Public Service Specialist can give – those who need to do payment plans, who need a notary, who need just a little more help.

What made you want to work here?

I was working at a library in Minnesota and needed to move to Cedar Rapids to be closer to my parents – I wanted another library job.

What’s your favorite part about working here?

I love the people. I love the staff and the patrons, and seeing everyone every day and keeping up with them is awesome. I like that we are a community center and we provide a place for everyone – the only place where no one expects you to spend any money, but you can hang out with us all day!

Do you have any moments or stories from the Library that stand out that you would want to share with patrons?

Every time we get together to talk about library services, we always want to make sure we’re serving as many people as possible with those services, and the community is always at the forefront of those discussions. It’s really nice to be in a job that focuses so closely on making the community a better place.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

I garden, paint with acrylics, and rescue weird things from the side of the road to become yard sculptures. I also enjoy watching TV and reading.

What’s your favorite book genre? Why?

Science fiction, if it’s good – social commentary always fascinates me, which is what most good SciFi is. I also love travelogues, simply because I like to know about places people go.

Do you have a favorite book or author? What do you like about them?

Mary Roach. Her voice is so very approachable and familiar, and her footnotes make me laugh so hard.

If you could pick a superpower, what would it be?

I would like to change the color of my hair, nails, and eyes at will. I don’t need anything else – I think REAL superpowers would be a bother.