Jennifer (Jen) Warne has joined the Des Moines Public Library Foundation (DMPLF) as assistant director, working half-time. We asked Jen a few questions so you could get to know her:
What drew you to this role?
I recently retired from my technology career because I knew that I wanted to do something entirely different and meaningful. I learned about the assistant director role by chance when I was returning a book to the DMPL Forest branch and ran into Dave Remund, the Foundation’s executive director and a former colleague of mine.
I have always loved libraries and am a current supporter of the foundation, so when this opportunity appeared, it felt like kismet. I am very much looking forward to bringing my skills and learned experiences to the foundation to support and advocate for our public library.
Which library services have you used, and which ones are you interested in exploring?
I am a fan of checking out books from the different branches. While I know that interlibrary loan will deliver them to my local branch, I enjoy visiting and experiencing the individual branch vibes. I use LIbby for my audiobook loans and love listening to books while traveling. I have also utilized the study rooms, especially when I was studying for my masters from Drake.
As for a service I haven’t used yet – I am looking forward to expanding my French with Mango Languages and possibly checking out a book club set.
Tell us a little about your love for books.
I did not become a book person until I was in my late 20s and living in Grinnell with a community of friends that enjoyed discussing books and sharing their recommendations. Fortunately, the public library was within walking distance from my apartment, and I loved walking to the library to find my next read. I read The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien during that time.
Nowadays, I am fortunate to belong to a wonderful book club that has been meeting for 18 years. Our collective favorite is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, which we read in 2008. To date, we have read over 200 books with each other. Our current pick is Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy.
What is your favorite unofficial work holiday?
Without a doubt, National Pistachio Day.
Note: With Jen’s arrival, Sadie Gasparotto will depart the Des Moines Public Library Foundation later this month. Sadie has been helping the Foundation through this year of transition, sharing experience in nonprofit operations and fund development. She has helped streamline processes and improve systems. We are so grateful for Sadie’s many contributions and especially her can-do spirit.