Our Questa Public Library is going and growing! In the coming weeks, we’re excited to launch a new Chess Club, begin 3D activities, continue Spanish classes and TWIRL Friday programs, and give the Kitty Club a fresh restart.
We’ve also had some changes in our library staff, and I’d love for you to get to know the wonderful people who make our library such a welcoming place.
First, Audrianah Leon.
Audri joined our team in January—just before “the flood.” She’s the creative and artistic mind behind The Ark, a fun contest for kids to identify book characters who took a temporary trip to SF for storage. Audri is available to help with computer and cell phone questions on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1–4.
“I was born and raised in Questa and started working at the library mid-January. When I’m not here, I’m usually drawing, hanging out with my niece and nephew, or taking photos of anything that catches my eye. I’ll never say no to Chinese food (especially shrimp lo mein), and I love strawberry cheesecake.
My favorite book is The Five People You Meet in Heaven. Peonies are the prettiest flowers, and my current favorite song is Orange Blossoms by GoldFord.”
Next to join us is Carole Merriman.
Carole, her mom, and her sister are building a straw bale home in El Rito.
“I lived in Cloudcroft, New Mexico for most of my adult life, teaching high school English. After retiring, I moved back to Colorado to be with my family. We are now building a home in El Rito and loving the kindness of the communities in Questa, Cerro, and Sunshine Valley. When I’m not at the library, I’m likely at my ceramic studio throwing pots or taking a yoga class. My favorite food is my grandma’s legendary pies—her meringue was three inches high and her crust was perfectly flaky. A book that deeply affected me is Sula by Toni Morrison. I love young adult literature and we’ve just ordered four new novels in verse for the young adult section—I’d love to see high school students come check them out!”
Our newest employee is Terri Kovach.
Terri began volunteering at the library about a year ago and also volunteers at the Food Pantry. She brings decades of nonprofit experience and a deep appreciation for New Mexico’s natural beauty.
“I’ve lived in New Mexico for just over a year and currently reside in Cerro. Originally from Ohio, I’m semi-retired and fell in love with this region after visiting my son at Ghost Ranch. My career was in the nonprofit sector—working with organizations like the Cleveland Foundation, United Way, and Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry. I’ve also been an independent consultant, teaching and writing grants. My favorite food is sushi, dessert is chocolate mousse, and flower is the sunflower. My current favorite book is The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly. I love blues and jazz from the 1930s and 1940s, and music by Sarde. My all-time favorite song is One Eyed, One Eared, Flying Purple, People Eater!”
We hope you’ll stop by soon to meet these amazing women—we’re all here for you.
