Northville Librarian Cherishes Children for Almost Two Decades

We asked Northville Patch readers on Facebook to share what they love about the Northville District Library. One reader said she loves "Miss Dorie," a.k.a. Dorie Freebury, so we set out to learn more about her.

Dorie Freebury -- 44 years old, Head Youth Services librarian

How long have you worked at the Northville District Library?
I have been happily ensconced at the Northville District Library for nearly 18 years.

What's your favorite part about your job?
My job is fun! I love getting kids excited about their library, and promoting a life-long love for reading, learning, and an appreciation for the public library. Connecting with so many wonderful children and families, and helping to make a positive impact on their lives, makes my job an absolute joy.

Why did you decide to become a librarian?
As a child, I was encouraged by my parents to make a career out of something that I enjoyed. What could a clever, bookish, imaginative child, prone to fits of entertaining theatrics, possibly choose for a career? A Children's Librarian!

What kinds of programs do you organize/help out with at the library?
I share the responsibility of coordinating a multitude of exciting library services for children with four wonderful colleagues – Laura Curtsinger, Nancy Clarizio, Mary Brissette and Julie Ramsden. The success of children's programs at our library is the result of our combined efforts. On any given day we find ourselves helping people of all ages at the public service desks with a variety of information needs, presenting storytimes and craft programs, offering special events like live animal, puppet, and magic shows, a fun annual Summer Reading program, hosting school and scout library visits, teaching online resources classes to students, and selecting books and other materials for the library's collections, and more! There is always something fun happening at the library for kids!

What do you want people to know about you?
I once adored an enormous, gorgeous beast of a green iguana, named Loco, for ten years. When you've learned to expertly wrangle a five-foot-long, twelve pound reptile, you can do just about anything.

Have you met Dorie Freebury? Tell us in the comments.

Like Patch on Facebook | Follow Patch on Twitter | Sign up for Patch's free daily e-newsletter