Meet the Staff: Karen Haskins
Linell Moss
Meet the Athenaeum Staff: Karen Haskins
Karen Haskins is the Youth Services Outreach Coordinator at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum. “My husband and I moved to St. Johnsbury from western New York in 1989. I worked at Vermont State University in the English department until 2023, and I also worked as an elementary school teacher and librarian for several years and co-owned a shop in St. Johnsbury. When I am not at the library, I am spending time with my family, gardening, reading, and crafting!”
What do you do at the Athenaeum?
In the mornings, I visit local preschools and daycares and do storytimes with read-alouds, singing, and movement activities. At each center, I drop off a bag of books for them to enjoy until the next time I visit. When I return to the Athenaeum, I usually work at the front circulation desk helping patrons and assisting with the interlibrary loan program. One afternoon a week and during summer camp, I read and do craft projects with the CatCH afterschool program at the St. Johnsbury School. Saturday Storytime each week at 10:30 am is a new event in the Children’s Library that I am excited about.
What in your life prepared you for working in the Athenaeum?
I have always loved to read, and I looked forward to visiting the library every week. I have also been an English teacher for most of my life, and it is a pleasure to work surrounded by great books and people who love to read.
What is one book in the Athenaeum collection that you would recommend?
Gather by Kenneth Cadow. It is beautifully written, and it celebrates many of the things that make Vermont a wonderful place. This book also reminds us of the work that still needs to be done to make it a wonderful place for everyone.
How is the Athenaeum an asset to the town?
As a public library, the Athenaeum embodies the belief that we have the power to create change and make the world a better place. The library provides us access to the knowledge and the tools to start making our dreams a reality. As a historic building, the Athenaeum is a place where everyone is welcome to come and be surrounded by art and beauty.