Trish Kaspar

	Trish Kaspar Send Email to Trish at: trishka1@EARTHLINK.NET
*Authors Among Us - Children's Writers Who Are or Who Have Been Librarians*

California Author Trish Kaspar

What influenced you to become a librarian, or to work in a library?
Libraries have been one of my main hangouts since childhood. After I semi-retired from other professions (teaching, technical writing, and other vocations), I fulfilled my delight/desire to share my enthusiasm for books with my community.

Do you have a library/information science degree? No.

What kinds of library positions have you held and where?

I'm a relatively new library assistant (less than 1 year), working at three city library branches (San Mateo, CA) to supplement my retirement pension. I hope to continue there for at least another 10 years.

Which came first in your life, your library work or writing for children?

Writing for children.

Did your library work have anything to do with becoming a children's writer? No.

Did your library work directly influence your work as an author?

Not yet, but I think it will, as time passes, as I see more and more what children are drawn to.

Did librarianship increase your knowledge of children's literature and influence the kinds of things you chose to write?

No, my other contacts have influenced what I chose to write about. For example, on a Sierra Club trail maintenance service trip, I met a Boston pediatrician, and--because of our conversations--wrote a patient assistance book for adolescents with chronic kidney failure for the National Kidney Foundation. I have written a picture book for families (directed toward siblings) with a cerebral palsy child, because my grandson has CP. (The book hasn't been accepted by a publisher yet.)

Did incidents from your library work ever make it into your books? No.

Did you ever set any scenes in your books in the library? No (but I like the idea).

What are the greatest benefits of being a librarian to you as a writer?

Continued contact with children, especially after I was no longer in elementary school teaching--and also after my own sons were grown. Keeping up with the changing pace of youth, their interests and needs. Although I stay in touch through my own grandchildren, I don't see them as often as I see the kids in the library--and the span of interests is greater with the greater numbers and range of ages of library patrons.

[And] the unscheduled hours when I don't have to be somewhere at a given time, so that I can let my mind run free

If you write while working as as librarian, how do you manage the time-juggling act?

Not especially well. Sometimes by the time I get home, my creative thoughts have evaporated. And then I have family and other responsibilities (mostly parental care but also other commitments) to meet.

Do you find any conflicts or job-related difficulties in being both a writer and a librarian? No

How do your library administration and colleagues view your authorship? Is it appreciated and encouraged?

I don't really know yet.

Are the library patrons/students aware of your writing? No

Do you feel that librarianship has specific benefits to you as a writer?

Yes. Again, staying current with what kids today are interested in, what their thoughts are about the world around them, how they talk.

Special Quote from Trish Kaspar:

What greater joy . . . and legacy! I continue to submit my manuscripts to publishers, even if nothing is accepted. But I know I can still touch the lives of children as they approach the circulation desk, bright eyes expectant, tentative hand pushing the library card across the counter, eager smile brushing over the top of the books they've selected. "Is this your favorite author?" "Oh, you finished that book already!" "Wow, you have a pile again this week!" "No problem, bring the fine in next time." Yes, it's a great place to be. I'm grateful to be there.

Return to the Authors Among Us main page

Last Updated October 28, 2003