Our FURL Member Spotlight is on Laura Burroughs, an active volunteer on our team. Let’s get to know her better!
Thank you, Laura, for answering our questions and sharing your inspiring story!
(Interview compiled by FURL Member Diana Manevskaya)
Laura in her element.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself – what is your background and what keeps you busy these days?
Though originally from Maryland, I am new to this area, having just moved here from Minnesota. I don’t miss the cold. I live with my son and his family. I teach part-time, humanities at a small college. Besides teaching, my days are filled with gardening, sewing, swimming, and reading.
When did you join the FURL, and why is the membership important to you?
I joined FURL a year ago, looking to get involved with a library and a book club again.
Could you share an interesting/fun fact about yourself for our members to get to know you better?
In my varied career, I have smoked a peace pipe with Black Elk's granddaughter; I’ve been on the ice with Wayne Gretzky; and I ran a three-legged race with the internationally renowned quilter Georgia Bonesteel.
Fascinating! What recently read book did you enjoy and would like to recommend to our members?
Flamingo Road by Sasscer Hill, a mystery, is a fun, easy read. Two of her other mystery novels are in the Urbana Branch. I have read three of her novels and enjoyed this one the most. I’ve known the author all my life.
If you were asked to propose a book for the next Book Club meeting, what would it be?
A Murmur of Bees by Sophia Segovia - This was just recommended to me by a close friend who is also a reader. At the last book club meeting, Beryl Markham was mentioned, and if the group hasn’t read West With the Night, I would suggest that book.
How do you choose what books you want to read?
One reason why I like book clubs is to be exposed to books I might never read. Sometimes I really like the book and sometimes not so much, but a day reading is a day well spent. I also get recommendations from friends and from reviews. Due to a review, I just read the memoir of Robert Goolrick, End of the World as we Know It: Scenes from a Life. a dark tale but the writing is so well done.
What is your favorite reading spot?
I read anywhere there is good light but mostly just before I go to sleep.
What is the oldest/most significant book in your home library? Why is it important to you?
I own two complete works of Shakespeare, my favorite writer, one a Riverside edition and the other a Pelican. My husband and I met at the Folger Theatre in Washington, D.C., where he was an actor, and I was a stage manager. I also have works by other favorite writers, Jane Austin, the Bronte sisters, Dorothy Parker, E.A. Poe, and A.C. Doyle. I also have quite a collection of quilting and costuming books.
In one sentence, what would you say to a non-FURL member to encourage him/her to join FURL?
FURL is a great community of people who love books, and the activities like the book sales are fun to work on from sorting to setting up and packing up after, with the money earned going to another great book lovers’ cause, the library.
Many thanks, Laura! And, a few short questions for a wrap-up:
Electronic, audio- or physical book?
Physical and ebooks. I have The Murmur of Bees on my Kindle. The Kindle got me through my move where I downsized my book collection.
Paperback or hardcover?
Either, as long as the type is large enough.
Do you judge a book by its cover?
Absolutely, an interesting design catches my eye, but it’s the contents that count.
Do you read multiple books at once?
Yes.
Favorite place to buy books?
The book sale at the library*, of course, and am looking for Gail Godwin books. I do like independent bookstores and regret that I never visited Birchbark Books in Minneapolis, which is owned by Louise Erdrich whose book The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse I am currently reading. Amazon is a last resort due to their large selection.