Meet the Staff: Wendy Caffee

Today we have another in our occasional series of “Meet the Staff” postings. Wendy Caffee sat down and answered a few questions for us recently. Here’s what she had to say.

—How long have you worked at the library?

I started during covid 2020 in July.

—Where are you from originally?

I am from Newark. Moved to Farmington with my future husband in 1988. During my divorce, I moved to Marion in 2012. [I live in a] big stone house built about 1832, that needs a ton of work.

—What is your educational background?

I graduated from Newark High School in 1979, Spent seven years going to SUNY at Buffalo (UB), changing my major a few times. I ended up with a BFA in fine art and a teaching certificate for art. I was only three credits short to take the science certificate exam. I started working in a sign shop when I was 13, I did not like babysitting. I continued working in that business until 1993. A back and neck injury put a stop to that and I began working at Newark High School. I am still there.

—What is your favorite thing about working in the library?

I have always liked meeting new people and developing relationships. Here at the library, we see lots of repeat patrons, especially Steve. Plus I enjoy working with people and becoming friends.

—Name a favorite book or two?

I always read The Secret Garden every year as a kid. I like the Outlander series. I like series in general. Anne of Green Gables, Isaac Asimov. The newest series is Big Stone Gap.

—Do you have any pets? If not, would you like one?

I have a Great Pyrenees I adopted. She is my fourth Pyr. I also feed, catch, and have neutered/spayed feral cats. I always release the skunks that end up in the trap. I have tried to live without a dog a few times. It is difficult when you have lost your best friend.

—Tell me about your family?

I am the oldest of two girls. I also have some step-siblings and one half-sibling. My mom is still around. I was just thinking this morning that she is now the family’s matriarch.

—Why are libraries important for our community?

Libraries are an important resource for information, activities, enrichment and enjoyment.