Our people: A dream job

Ashley Maestas is the Youth Services Librarian for the Clovis-Carver Public Library. But for the many local children and toddlers who frequent her weekly storytime she is known simply as, "Miss Ashley."

Born and raised in Las Cruces, N.M., Maestas has been in Clovis for five years, going on six. She, her husband, Tim, and their two daughters came to this area to be closer to her in-laws. Maestas describes herself as an avid reader, who enjoys books of many genres and in any medium (audiobooks, ebooks, printed books, etc.). Whatever the rest of her life holds, Maestas is sure that she will never tire of reading.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being a children's librarian?

A: My absolute favorite thing is the children and teens I get to work with. It warms my heart to see a child light up at a new favorite book, or a teen expressing their love for anime in our Anime Club. Promoting literacy in children and teens has become a passion of mine, so I also love helping someone find a book that they will adore.

Q: Did you always know you wanted to be a librarian? What led you to your career?

A: I had actually never thought about working in a library until I moved to Clovis. After I moved here, the library was the first job I applied for. Once I was hired, I quickly realized that this is my dream job.

Q: What is something about your job that surprised you? Anything others would be surprised to know about being a librarian?

A: I was surprised at how much this job involves! It's wonderful how busy I can get, and yet it still does not feel like work. I think a lot of people would be surprised at how many programs and services the library provides.

Q: What is the best thing about living in Clovis?

A: I like how easy it is to make friends and acquaintances here. Everyone is so friendly!

Q: If you could sit down and visit with any author, who would it be? Why?

A: I would visit with Stephen King. The storylines and content in his books are so unique and imaginative to me that I would love to learn about his creative process. My favorite Stephen King novel is probably "IT." The book is so much scarier than the movies! The complexity in the novel really makes you think.

Q: What is the most spontaneous thing you've ever done?

A: I joined a roller derby team! I joined a team in my hometown of Las Cruces around 2014. We used to have a team in Clovis, but unfortunately, we haven't had a practice or anything since COVID. I first started when one of my best friends told me about it. She described it as a healthy outlet for stress. She was 100% correct! It is incredibly empowering.

Q: How would your closest friends describe you, if they had to in one word?

A: Fun.

Q: If you could go anywhere for a day, where would it be and why?

A: I would visit a fictional world. Somewhere like Neverland or Hogwarts. I would love to see places where magic exists.

Q: What is the most interesting thing you've ever eaten? Did you enjoy it?

A: I once tried escargot while I was in Austin, Texas, on a business trip. The escargot was very delicious! It tasted like chewy shrimp. It was served on a slice of buttered toast. I definitely recommend it!

Q: What is your favorite book genre, and why?

A: My favorite genre is thriller/suspense. I love the excitement of it all! There's rarely a dull moment in books of this genre.

Q: If you could go back in time to give yourself one piece of advice as a child, what would it be?

A: To relax! I once heard Newt Scamander from "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," say, "Worrying means you suffer twice." It's something I wish I'd heard years ago.