Carrie Bowdle is the Enrichment Clerk at the Frankfort Branch Library. She started at the Main Library on Paint Street in March of 2003. She has also worked at the Northside Branch and Kingston Branch.

1. What are your main duties in your position at the library?
   We hold many hats while working at the county branches, although Programming for all ages is one of our main duties. We try to have something for everyone. I enjoy teaching others about lots of things like literacy or gardening — if you can think of it, we have probably had a program about it. I also enjoy learning new hobbies right along with our patrons.
   
   
2. What do you like to do in your free time outside of the library?
   I try to learn something new every year. This year I am trying to teach myself watercolor. I figure whatever I can teach/learn myself I can share that with our patrons. I love gardening, drawing, painting and, of course, reading!!
   
   
3. What’s one thing people might not know about you?
   I was incredibly shy as a child and into my teen years. Anyone that knew me then would never believe that I am the opposite of that now. I’ve worked in customer service and with the public since I was 16. I think that helps tremendously with speaking and engaging with others. You have no time to be quiet!
   
   
4. What’s a current TV show or movie you are enjoying?
   I love sports and anything based upon a true story. I just finished watching The Hill, an inspiring true story about baseball phenomenon Rickey Hill. He suffered from a debilitating spinal disease and overcame that to play baseball. A must watch for the entire family.
   
   
5. What is something that you can’t live without?
   I’ve seen God’s hand in my life many times over the years but never as clear as my near death experience that could’ve taken my life 4 years ago. So, my faith is something I could never live without. Oh, and a good cup of coffee made by my husband! 🙂
   
   
6. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where you would you go and why?
   I’m a big history buff , and I’ve always wanted to go to Scotland. Scotland’s history is so fascinating. From the Roman Empire, Vikings, and the monarchy, there is always something new and fascinating to learn. One day I hope to get there.
   
   
7. What’s a book you like to recommend to everyone?
   Non-Fiction: I would recommend anything by Lysa Terkeurst. Her books are self-help, encouraging, and uplifting. Through her own life struggles, she has managed to help others through faith. If you are experiencing something that you just can’t seem to get through, I encourage you to read her books.
   
   I love to read anything Historical Fiction and would recommend The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. This book is based on real-life experiences of a Holocaust survivor. Although it is incredibly horrible what they went through, it is stories like this that need to be remembered and never forgotten. It will humble anyone.
   
   Juvenile Fiction: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. There are 8 books in this series! This beloved book will forever be one of my favorites, thanks to my older sister. She introduced it to me at a young age, although I think it is one of those books that is loved by all ages. I could read this over and over. This book is a classic, full of life lessons, and oh so funny. The way the author writes makes you feel like you are in Green Gables. Even my daughter’s middle name is “Anne, Anne with an E!” I know a place where you can borrow any of these books for free!
   
   
8. What’s one of your favorite library resources/services?
   The services we provide to Ross County are entirely free. My favorite service has to be our programming. I’m in awe at the amount of free programs we provide to patrons. Every week we have someone come in our libraries that never knew we had so much to offer. Many of my coworkers are so talented and we offer such a variety at each location. You can learn to paint, garden, join a book club, knit, or even sit and enjoy a puzzle with friends. We even have a therapy dog that anyone can just come sit with. Check out what we are all doing this summer!!
   
   
9. What’s your favorite part about working at CRCPL?
   My favorite part is serving and helping others. Growing up, my parents did just that. I watched them from a young age help others in many ways. They took us to churches and nursing homes, we volunteered at shelters. My mother even had many children’s clubs in our home for the local neighborhood where anyone was welcome to attend. I try to volunteer somewhere different each year in our community. There are so many ways to help others. I love helping someone find a book they love, teach them a new hobby, and so much more. As Mr. Rogers said, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”