July/August 2006 issue

Bio: Erika Barber, Library Technician, Des Moines


Recently hired as the Des Moines Library Technician, this is my first position in a library. I can honestly say I grew up in libraries though, because my mother was (and will always be) a librarian.

Originally from Pennsylvania, I've lived in Iowa for the last 10 years. After living all across the country, from Pennsylvania to Indiana to Kansas to Washington, I'd have to say, Iowa has been really good to me. I hold a degree in English Literature from the University of Iowa, where I am currently pursuing a Masters in Library and Information Science. My husband, Dan, and I have a 17-month-old daughter, Clare, three cats and a dog.

Painting and gardening are my guilty pleasures, but helping my daughter grow is the most challenging, all-consuming, passion of my life. We enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, canoeing, camping, and picnics, and hope to resume a more active lifestyle as Clare gets a bit older. I also enjoy playing tennis and softball.