Spotlight on Staff

We’re back with another edition of Spotlight on Staff! This month we’re featuring individuals who, in addition to their wonderful library work, are also skilled in multimedia production, fiber arts, law research, records analysis, and career consulting. Read on to learn more about how they use their talents both in and outside of the library!

NIDERIA BROWN

Nideria Brown is a multifaceted individual with an eye for detail. She studied Media Arts & Design at James Madison University, and some of her experience includes school and studio photography, video editing, social media marketing, and blogging. Past projects have included writing for a monthly student newsletter called Potty Mouth, Summer Reading promotional videos for the library, and facilitating a personal finance group on Facebook. Nideria brings her tech skills to the library, where she can be found troubleshooting various computer issues, teaching computer classes, and contributing ideas and content to the library’s social media platforms. Outside of work, she maintains a #bookstagram where she enjoys sharing books that represent the Black experience, teaches weekly spin classes, and volunteers with Henrico Heroes and Junior Achievement.

ANTONIA PRIODE 

Antonia Priode has nearly five years of crocheting and two years of knitting experience. Typically when you ask someone who taught them to crochet, knit, sew, etc., the answer is often a relative, but Antonia is almost completely self-taught. She was inspired to learn after several patrons asked if Fairfield planned to bring Crochet Night back. A few years prior to Antonia working there, another librarian ran a crochet group. While Antonia had no idea how to crochet, she was determined to learn. She checked out books, watched online tutorials, and eventually reintroduced the program. In January 2021, she began to pick up knitting as well. While intimidating at first, Antonia once again taught herself with books, online tutorials, and practice. She made mistakes in the beginning – her first project was a washcloth that looked more like a teardrop than a square! — but she learned from those too. The group has come to mean a lot to Antonia over the years. Since starting, she’s knitted cowls, gloves, scarves, shawls, and even a sweater or two. While she still has a lot to learn, she is enjoying every moment of it! 

MEAGHAN REDD

Meaghan Redd is new to the library world and recently joined Tuckahoe Area Library as a paralegal, where she helps oversee the location’s Henrico Municipal Government and Law Library. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelors in History and African American Studies and received her Paralegal Certification from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to working at the library, she worked as a paralegal for various organizations. She is excited to start her journey with Henrico County. She recently hosted a Legal Research 101 program and looks forward to using her skills to host more law-related programs at the library. 

TESHAWNA THREAT

Along with being a Circulation Supervisor at Varina Area Library, Teshawna is a skilled researcher, Certified Records Analyst (CRA), and professional development coach. She genuinely cares about spreading knowledge and connecting others to the information they need. For example, she helps friends and associates conduct thorough research, teaches individualized computer classes for seniors, and assists others with resume writing, cover letter writing, mock job interviews, skills identification, job searching, and application completion.

Additionally, while pursuing her Masters in Library Information Studies, she took advantage of completing the Records and Information Certification and is now a Certified Records Analyst (CRA) for the Commonwealth of Virginia. As a CRA, she manages record organization, ensures data accuracy, and makes sure records are created and maintained efficiently. She has put these skills to use as an Extern for the Saint Louis Zoo, where she manages animal records and curates training modules to assist staff with navigating the zoo’s records management database. Additionally, she has also had the opportunity to serve as a member of various information management affiliations.