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River Grove circulation head goes from law to library
Stephanie Mantz, head of circulation at River Grove Public Library. | David Pollard~Sun-Times Media
Updated: December 16, 2012 6:12AM
RIVER GROVE — While in college, working at the campus library had a major effect on Stephanie Mantz’s career path.
Mantz, 26, is head of circulation for the River Grove Public Library and has held the position for a little more than a month. She received her bachelor’s degree in creative writing, but discovered there weren’t many jobs available in that area.
“I worked for a foreclosure law firm,” she said. “I worked at my college library all through college and that made me want to look into this.”
She will receive her master’s degree in library science in December.
After leaving the law firm she was at, Mantz worked at the Berkeley Public Library, but always had her eye on working for the River Grove Public Library.
“I actually applied for this job twice, and when it came up again, I was all over it,” she said.
Q: What are your job responsibilities?
A: Basically handling any situation that comes in regarding books, fines, getting books in that people need and programming.
Q: Who is your favorite author?
A: Stephen King. I like mystery novels.
Q: Have you ever thought about writing a book, and any particular kind?
A: I would like to write a book that would make a lot of money, probably literary fiction. There’s no novel in the works currently.
Q: How do you see the role of libraries changing in the future?
A: Libraries are evolving. We are trying to make it more of a community resource center. We have to move with the times.
Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: I only eat fast food. I love pizza.
Q: What is your favorite sport?
A: I played soccer in college. I’m a big White Sox and Bears fan.
Q: What’s your ultimate career goal?
A: I would eventually like to be a library director, but still with a small library. That’s what I like.”
