Meet the Libby Librarians — Holly Storm

Of course, you know Libby. And now, you’ve also met Maria, Meghan, Shelia, Kate, Sarah, and Tori through our spotlight series on the librarians who work at Libby. And now we’re excited to introduce another librarian... Holly! Our resident expert on all things sci-fi and fantasy, Holly currently works with public libraries in Canada and Maryland. “An unusual, but very fun combination,” she reports. Holly also knows a thing or two about children’s books, as she spent almost two years helping school libraries manage their collections on Sora, the student reading app. 

Take a peek behind-the-scenes at Libby and learn more about Holly, including her favorite part about being a librarian, what happened to her very first library card, and the number one way she recommends finding a great book. 

What's in your mug?

Herbal tea or hot chocolate.

Describe your reading style in 3-5 words.

Compulsive, excitable, and absorbed.

I like to carve out an evening or a day for the books I'm most looking forward to so that I can read without interruption.

Ebooks or audiobooks?

Ebooks—I like being able to imagine the voices! I also like being able to speed ahead or reread as needed.

All-time favorite book:

It's hard to choose just one! But the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett will always have a very special place in my heart, especially the Wee Free Men.

What did you do before becoming a Libby librarian?

My last job before coming to Libby was working in Adult Services at a library in Cleveland. Prior to that, I also did a couple of internships at publishing houses, which was a great way to learn about all the work that goes into creating a book.

What's the best part of your job?

I love hearing stories from people whose lives are made better by increased access to books. 

For example, we sometimes hear about seniors or other populations who have trouble getting to physical library spaces as often as they would like, so being able to use their library from home has been such a source of joy. 

I also appreciate getting to work every day with people who are just as passionate about reading as I am, both while interacting with my coworkers and with all of the librarians who use Libby.

What inspired you to become a librarian?

I loved reading from an early age and always knew I wanted to work with books in some way. I also had a wonderful hometown library with staff who made every visit a delight. Our teen librarian in particular was a fantastic role model. I applied for a job shelving books when I was 15 years old and got to see firsthand what librarianship is like—my original employee nametag is still proudly displayed at my desk!

What’s one thing about being a librarian you wish more people understood?

Librarians who work with the public have to wear so many hats! You truly never know what someone is going to need help with on a day-to-day basis. It can be a very intense job that requires a lot of patience and problem solving, and matters so deeply to the local community. I have so much appreciation for the front-line staff who keep our public libraries going.

Tell us about your first library card.

I put my first library card through the washing machine so many times that it snapped in half. After that, I memorized the new card number so I wouldn't wear it out as quickly. I guess I thought that was easier than checking my pockets before doing laundry.

What's the last book you read?

Platform Decay by Martha Wells

It's the latest book in the Murderbot Diaries series.

Your best reading advice:

Many of my favorite books in recent years have been recommended to me by friends, family, and coworkers. I think asking around for other people's favorite picks is a great way to discover hidden gems that might have flown under your radar, especially from genres you might not be as familiar with. It's also my favorite way to get to know the people in my life better—I love having someone to talk about my latest read with!

Want to read more from Holly?

Check out a few posts she’s written for Libby Life:

🧛 Book characters that will inspire your Halloween costume

🥀 What comes after? 6 chilling post-apocalyptic fiction novels

🌌 5 YA sci-fi books you won’t be able to put down

Come back next month for another behind‑the‑scenes look at another of our Libby librarians and be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter so you don’t miss out.

Holly’s book recommendations:

*Title availability may vary.