MEET THE COMMUNITY - KIMBERLY SENF

Tell us about your role and what you like most about it?
I am the Senior Librarian at Elmwood and responsible for overseeing the library collection and the library space in the Middle and Senior School. I also teach Information Literacy skills and English in the Middle School. This is my eighth year at Elmwood and my role within the school has evolved so much over my time here. This is one of the reasons why I enjoy working at Elmwood - every year brings new challenges, opportunities and ways to innovate in the library and in the classroom. 

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received, and from whom?
Not to dwell on the things that I can not change. I received this advice from my mother when I was much younger, and it still resonates with me. I try to focus my energy where I can make the most change and where my efforts count the most.

If you could choose one superpower to have, what would it be? How would you best use it?
I would love to be able to speak and read every language. I think this superpower would make travelling seamless and I would always know what’s going on around me!

What is your favourite extravagance?
Travelling. I love the process of planning where to go next and figuring out how to make the most of my experience in new cities and countries. I like to discover the local aspects of the cities that I visit - one of my favourite things is to go to the grocery store in different countries. I always find exciting new items that we can’t get in Canada. Travelling is where I’m happy to splurge because I never know if I’ll be back in the same place again, so I try to do as much as I can while I’m there!

What is your favourite way to treat yourself?
A visit to a local coffee shop after a long bike ride or cross-country ski.

What’s your advice for someone who wants to read more in the New Year?
Take the time to find the right books. Don’t read a book through just because you started it.  Feel free to give up on books that just aren’t working for you. Reading should be enjoyable! Embrace reading recommendations. I often receive book recommendations from friends, colleagues and students and I’ve found some fantastic reads this way. Reading goals do not work for everyone, but they can be a great motivator. There are also many reading challenges available online that can help you focus your book selections outside of what you normally read (this year that means more nonfiction for me). Carve out time in your day to make sure you are able to listen to the audiobook or read a chapter before bed. These are just some ways to make sure that you will stick to any reading goals you have for yourself this year.