Alie Smit, former Evening Circulation Supervisor for the Donnelley and Lee Library, recently accepted the position of Circulation Manager at the end of October. A collective sigh of relief was reportedly heard throughout the Library’s Public Services department as soon as it was known that a replacement had been found for the out-going Head of Circulation, Cynthia Cole. Having worked nights and weekends for the previous year, Alie (rhymes with “holly”) was able to step into her new position already familiar with the tasks and students that she would be supervising. And we already knew we liked her.

Alie was born in Montana, and then moved during elementary school to the Lake Villa area of Illinois. In 2001 she graduated from UIC with a BA in History and Political Science. A short stint in the Peace Corps (she was posted to Africa) was followed by a year of employment at the Grayslake Area Public Library. She then returned to Africa for a year and a half in Malawi under the auspices of a UK-based charitable organization. Approximately one year ago, she took a half-time position at the library in Grayslake and also began working part-time here at Donnelley and Lee Library as the Evening Circulation Supervisor.

When asked how she liked the new position, Ms. Smit quickly replied, “It’s great!” This is a real testimony to her unflagging spirit as she was working very long hours until she was able to hire a new Evening Supervisor. To meet Alie, just stop on your way through the Donnelley and Lee Library. You will frequently find her at the Main Desk, or she may be in her office, in Room 107, in the southeast corner of the building. Her telephone extension is 5061.