What I’ve Learned: Katherine Roberts

Photo By Cpl. Thomas Mudd | Katherine Roberts grew up in a military family that consisted of Marines and sailors. She was born in Twentynine Palms, Calif., and later began working at the Combat Center Library. Roberts enjoys reading on her spare time and owns approximately 1,000 books of her own.  

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

04.22.2015

Story by Lance Cpl. Thomas Mudd 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - I was born in Twentynine Palms and coming back here to work at the base library is like returning home.

My mother was a Marine, which is why working on base feels normal to me. Growing up, I was around Marines often.

I have [always] loved reading. I remember my sisters used to hate reading until they left to attend college. I could never understand why, because I have always found reading to be fun.

I probably own more than 1,000 books. For me a good book is one that changes my perspective. If I think a book is great, I keep it so that I can read it again. I will never understand people who can read a book, say they love it, and then never pick it up again.

I enjoy getting the chance to read new books. My favorite genres in literature are romance and young adult. Although I didn’t know ‘young adult’ was a genre until later on, they are still great books to read.

The first book I bought as a child was a collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s stories. It was not what I was expecting, and I didn’t know what kind of book it was until after I read it.

When I first got here, I was a librarian working with [Combat Center patrons] who came here to find information or a specific book. Now as a technician, I keep the library running smooth behind the scenes.

I feel like being able to provide these services on base helps [Combat Center patrons] relax from work and unwind from the day-to-day stress they deal with.

Working here is fun, I get to help the people on base with the things they want to do or find. I love seeing someone’s expression of gratitude when I’m able to help them find something they were searching for.

There is something about reading a book to children in different voices and seeing their faces light up as they listen to the story. It gives me the feeling I’m doing a good job.

We provide so much for the [service members] here, giving them a place where there is Internet, movies or books for recreational use or to help with a project.

I love the fact that the library has programs and events for the children on base. A great example is Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. We have card-making arts and crafts events so the children can come in to the library and make something for their parents.

What really makes working at the library [great] is the people who come here. When I get to work with people who are really grateful for the help I give them, it makes all the effort I put in worth-while.

• Date Taken: 04.22.2015
• Date Posted: 04.29.2015 20:00
• Story ID: 161721
• Location: TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, US
• Hometown: TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, US