What should we call you?
Kristy
Where can we find you?
At University.
You can contact me at Kristy dot gale at spl dot org 🙂
Why teen services?
I can’t imagine not working with teens and young adults. I’m an avid reader of young adult literature, and I love talking to teens about books. I enjoy using digital tools to create, and I firmly believe that teens, technology, and libraries go together.
Favorite reference resource (print and/or online)?
Consumer Reports (online database version), because I love shopping, and I especially love getting a good deal. Consumer Reports allows you to comparison shop and determine the best product for your needs. They are an independent and impartial nonprofit, and I trust their research. I feel empowered when I use Consumer Reports, and I like to feel empowered. This is a fun one to show off to library patrons.
Adult Learning Center is a another great resource. It contains example resumes and ALC staff will even provide personalized constructive criticism on a resume that you submit within 24 hours. So cool!
My favorite phone apps are from the Environmental Working Group (EWG). They’re a community advocacy non-profit whose mission is to “use the power of public information to protect public health and the environment.”
Some of the EWG apps are Dirty Dozen, SkinDeep, and EWG Sunscreen Guide.
I use the “Dirty Dozen” app when shopping for produce. It gives you an idea of which fresh fruits and veggies you should definitely buy organic and which ones you can get by with purchasing conventionally grown.
Favorite book of all time and favorite book right now?
Favorite book of all time:
His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman
Favorite Book of last year:
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Favorite Book of 2014:
Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor (The “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” is a great trilogy!)
You live in Seattle To umbrella or not to umbrella?
I sport a rain jacket with a hood during fall, winter, and spring.
The best thing about living in Seattle is…
There’s so much to do within the city itself that I’ve never experienced the sensation of concrete closing in on me, as I have in Chicago and New York. Maybe it’s because each neighborhood has its own unique ambiance, but I appreciate that Seattle is a “big” city with a small town vibe. I love that there are amazing recreational activities in Seattle such as rowing, kayaking, and hiking and that there are even more opportunities for outdoor activities just outside of Seattle such as (more intense) hiking, white-water rafting, snow-shoeing, tubing, etc.
I eat vegan, so I’m truly thankful that I can find something to eat at just about any restaurant in Seattle. I also feel lucky that there are quite a few restaurants that cater specifically to vegetarians and vegans which makes life so much easier and tastier. I’m a fan of flavorful food with a bit of spice, so it’s nice to have options other than basic salads and fries.
Finally, Seattle is an absolutely beautiful city.
We know you love Seattle but where would you most like to live?
I’m honestly not sure. I wouldn’t mind living in Hawaii during the winter.
What is your favorite word?
I’ve never had a favorite. I suppose I’m currently fond of the word, “chimera.” As mentioned above, I just finished the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy which features chimera – mythical beings containing parts of various animals. The word, chimera is also defined as humans or other organisms that are made up of a mixture of genetically different tissues. Fascinating!
What is your motto?
I don’t have a motto, but I’ve always loved this quote:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead
School Shout Out to Eckstein Middle School!
Push to Talk 