Meet Birmingham Public Library Young Professionals Board Member Clair McLafferty

The Young Professionals of the Birmingham Public Library celebrate the rich history and prosperous future of Birmingham's oldest cultural institution. The Young Professionals support the Library financially and culturally and promote its remarkable treasures. By hosting dynamic lectures, special collection tours, and other social events and by volunteering time and skills, the Young Professionals increase public awareness of and access to the Library's resources.

BPLYP Clair McLafferty

What is your full name, age, and occupation? Clair Elizabeth McLafferty, 24. I am the patient educator at Alabama Pain Physicians, senior research technologist at HagenTek, personal tutor, and freelance writer.

What is your favorite place to eat in Birmingham? Saw's Soul Kitchen.

Why did you get involved with the BPLYP? A few months ago, an article on the future of libraries aired on NPR. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to be involved in preserving the libraries I knew when I was younger.

Which is your favorite (or most frequented) library branch? Central.

Name some of your favorite books as a child or teenager. Anything by Neil Gaiman and space- or dinosaur-related nonfiction.

What genres do you read the most as an adult? Science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, and nonfiction.

Who are some of your favorite authors? China Mieville, Neil Gaiman, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and David Sedaris.

What is your wish for the city of Birmingham? Trade the initial excitement about local projects for lasting, sustainable commitment to their growth.

Do you have a special talent? If so, what is it? Creating budgets.

What is your favorite quote or inspirational saying? "Take chances. Make mistakes. Get messy!" - Ms. Frizzle.

Comments