Meet the Libby Librarians — Tori Casper

Summer’s officially here, and it’s the perfect time for adventure! And there’s no one better to be your guide than Libby librarian Tori Casper. With an exploratory spirit in both her reading and everyday life, Tori encourages us all to step out of our comfort zones, where the best surprises are often waiting. A true nature lover, her book picks reflect her deep appreciation for the natural world—with a few twists as well.

As part of our ongoing Libby librarian spotlight series, we're introducing the passionate book experts behind Libby. From recommending books on Libby Life to helping your local librarian curate their digital collection, our staff librarians are dedicated to connecting you with your next favorite book.

Get to know Tori as she shares her top nature-inspired reads, tips for moving through books more quickly, and her favorite book ever (hint: it’s book 4 in a series).

What's in your mug?

Lemonade! I’m not a coffee drinker and only have tea occasionally, but love mixing up a refreshing lemonade for an afternoon pick-me-up (in a closed container, because all space is space for cats).

What’s a reading hill you will die on?

Reading is just as much about the reader as it is the book. 

I have started a book I could not get into, just to go back to it later and loved it. The space you're in, the mood, or the timing can all impact how you read a book, and those are all things that change. Everyone is unique and how they experience a book will be unique too. 

Describe your reading style in 3-5 words.

Atmospheric, varied, quick.

The primary appeal factor for me is setting—bonus points if it’s a nature setting! Strong and interesting settings can be found across all genres, so there’s a lot of variety on my shelves. I can also be a tad impatient, and I need to know what happens next, now. I don’t read every word on a page and I start my audiobooks at least 2x speed. Any book can be a quick read if you’re committed. 

All-time favorite book:

The Killing Hour by Lisa Gardner.

It’s listed as book 4 in a series, but you won’t be lost if you pick it up on its own. This is the first book that made me realize how impactful the setting was for me in a story. It also showed me that nature can be an escape in fiction just like it is in the real world for me.

Ebooks or audiobooks?

Both, which is a more recent development. 

I have long been partial to ebooks, but have been getting into audiobooks more. The multi-tasking is a game changer. Driving, shoveling snow, weeding, resting—so many opportunities to immerse yourself in a story with audio.

If you could only ever read one book again, what would it be?

While I do enjoy a good reread, just one book is a hard ask. As long as no one is holding me to this, I would say To the Gorge by Emily Halnon. 

This memoir of Emily's run to set the fastest known time (FKT) on the Pacific Crest trail is an adventure in the great outdoors, in running, but also in resilience. Her struggles and strength to overcome them are inspiring! Plus, the photos at the end really add to the experience. 

Name a book you think everyone should read.

Better Living Through Birding by Christian Cooper. 

This memoir/travelogue/birding guide reflects on Cooper’s life experiences and on people finding solace in nature. Even if birding doesn’t interest you (why not?), this book explores themes of claiming your space in the world and finding joy outdoors, which everyone could use.

What inspired you to become a librarian?

Curiosity. When I was younger and visiting libraries, I thought people were just lucky to get to be (work) at the library. It wasn't until I was in college that I really looked at it as a career option. By that point, I'd seen the power of information and wanted to always know more. While I will never know it all, I know how to learn and will always seek out more. 

What did you do before becoming a Libby librarian?

I worked in public libraries as well as archives and academic libraries before coming to Libby. It was great to combine my love of information and nature together when working in park archives. 

What's the best part of your job? 

Seeing the joy that books bring.

From having someone come back to let you know they loved the book you recommended to having people stop you while wearing your Libby shirt to proclaim, "I love Libby!"

The joy is not always obvious, so feel free to let your local librarian know you appreciate them. One of my favorite hikes I've ever done was a rainy and magical hike in Maine. This is the only picture I took, and the joy is not clear.

Your best reading advice:

Don’t box yourself in.

It’s good to have reliable things you know you’ll like, but checking out different genres, formats, and even audiences can lead to wonderful surprises.

One of my favorite books I read so far this year is The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner. It's a middle grade novel about a grieving kid who finds his way through by hiking the high peaks in the Adirondacks—and he bakes cookies that remind him of his treks!

What's the last book you read?

Farther by Heather Anderson.

This memoir follows Heather’s calendar year triple crown (CYTC). She hiked the Appalachian trail, Pacific Crest trail, and Continental Divide trail in one calendar year and reflects on her adventures. It’s not the first book I’ve read about hiking the Appalachian trail (AT), and it won’t be the last. I have hiked sections of the AT, but only as day hikes for now. Still, reading about a place you’ve been or are going (fiction or nonfiction) is a fun way to connect to a setting.

Here’s me along the AT in Shenandoah National Park.

Anything else you’d like to say?

Explore! Books, places, ideas—there’s always more to explore.

Want to read more from Tori?

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

🌴 12 thrillers about vacations gone very, very wrong

📚 9 complete series you can binge-read right now

🐞 11 nature books that will change how you see the world

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.

Tori’s book recommendations:  

*Title availability may vary.