Employee Spotlight: Julie Vaught

 

Julie with author George RR Martin

 

 

Branch and Title:  Florence Main/Headquarters, Teen Librarian

Work History: I’ve worked for FCLS 21 years

Favorite book or favorite genre of books: Teen Books and Historical Romances

What initially drew you to your field, and how has that passion evolved over time?

My story is interesting. I focused on Archives and Special Collections in library school.  I applied for the South Carolina Room position at the library, but it had already been filled.  I got the Readers Advisory Librarian position, which I realized was the Teen Librarian position about the second day on the job.  The title changed later.  I learned everything on the fly and have fallen in love with all it pertains.

Julie posing with Cocky mascot

Have you traveled anywhere interesting?

I love to travel and have been to 16 countries.  The most interesting were Israel, Australia, and New Zealand.  I am planning on going to Japan next year.

Julie posing in front of a koala bear

Are you a sports fan, who are your teams and why?

Go Atlanta Braves and Carolina Gamecocks!  My grandfather played professional baseball, and my grandmother followed the Braves. She taught me how to keep score and everything.  I went to graduate school at the University of South Carolina and love the sports atmosphere there. Once, when I was at a Braves game versus the Cubs, Kelly Johnson hit a foul ball at Fulton County stadium. All the Cubs fans around fought for it and it ended up falling under my chair. I grabbed it and kept it!

Julie holding up a baseball at Brave's game

What is the greatest risk you have ever taken?

I went skydiving with my family.  It was thrilling and terrifying at the same time.

Julie in a plane, ready to skydive

Do you have a fun, humorous, or heartfelt story about a patron that you can share?

I love seeing my teens after they have grown, coming back to visit.  Recently, I had a teen come in her high school cap and gown on graduation day to hug me.