Hello! Meet Carriann Gray. Carriann is the Children’s Librarian at the Moses Lake Library. She is a welcoming face to all the parents and children who visit, she has created a truly diverse and inclusive selection of books for the children to choose from, and she’s starting a Master’s program in Library Science to become even more effective at growing the program here in Moses Lake!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Please tell us a little bit about your family. I have two daughters getting ready to spread their wings and begin college, one at Big Bend and the other in Spokane. My family lives in Ephrata, though I grew up moving as a military brat and lived out of the state most of my life.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
As the Children’s Librarian at the Moses Lake branch of NCW Libraries, I love books and currently have the privilege of helping children find and love books! My favorite thing to do is read with children. I also love visiting the local schools, helping kids find books and the after school programs we offer.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My family loves Sushi, so both Tsunami and Sumo are favorites. As a vegetarian/vegan, I love fresh vegetables and am always looking for new places to find veggie only meals. Michael’s on the Lake and Michael’s Bistro both have pretty great salads.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve been working in Moses Lake for two years now.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
She’s going to hate me for saying so, but Connie Baulne, our Branch Supervisor is amazing. There are layers of integrity in that woman I really appreciate.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
We are so blessed to be near the Cascades and on the West Coast. The mountains and the beach are the places I find the quiet that sets me free. I don’t have to travel far to enjoy either.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I love Jesus Christ and am currently enjoying a series on 3ABN called Revelation-Salvation in Symbols and Signs. I love the way everything in the bible fits together to point us to Jesus.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
The same advice I need every day: let the past go and love the people in front of you.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
It’s cliche, but I love traveling. I have no particular destination in mind, but cultures outside of the US fascinate me.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
NEEDTOBREATHE
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I’ve only been in the area for 10 years, but I have good memories of doing pottery at the Art Garden with my girls when they were young.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Sandra Boynton – she’s a children’s author who seems like so much fun to be around or Vikram Madan – a Seattle author.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
A friend introduced me to the Japanese Peace Garden recently. It’s a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy nature.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’m enrolled in a Masters program in Library Science and plan to begin in August. I hope this program will help me to grow and improve the services the library provides.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I used to read books tucked inside my textbooks in high school. I write poetry and songs.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I love the Olympic Peninsula.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October. Any holiday my whole family is together. July 25th, when I became a mother.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A walk in the autumn, it’s a feast for the senses.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My daughters, they are amazing women.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Evergreens and the ocean, they both remind me of my grandparents.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Open arms, peace, and stillness.
If people want to connect with you, please share your link or contact info.
cgray@ncwlibraries.org
