Meet Manager, Wendy Pender

Like the Crossroads library itself, Wendy Pender brings fresh perspective that naturally draws attention.  Her energy and enthusiasm is a good match for one of the busiest libraries in the KCLS system--a library whose contributions spill beyond its walls with free Wi-Fi throughout the market area, lively on-stage events, free English classes and more.  The library--designed to meet the needs of the people in the Crossroads community--includes computer workstations, a browsing collection, special areas for children and teens, and convenient access.

Previously a librarian in the Toledo-Lucas County library system in Ohio, Wendy came to the Pacific Northwest over a year ago. She feels “Crossroads” is aptly named.  “The diversity here makes this feel like a crossroads of the world,” says Wendy.  “My colleagues are from the Ukraine, India, Russia, Japan, China, Mexico, Vietnam, the Middle East, and Taiwan.  They’ve made me feel at home from the start." True to the KCLS vision, Wendy understands that the work of librarians extends beyond books.  "Librarians are here because we love people.  We love sharing resources and being with people who value our libraries," she says.  Wendy splits her time between the Lake Hills and Crossroads libraries.

Wendy enjoys travel.  She met her husband in Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming) where he was touring on his motorcycle.  He offered her a ride and the rest is history.  They recently returned from a 4200-mile motorcycle trip to seven national parks.  Wendy said her move to the Puget Sound area, after a whirlwind romance and marriage, “is the greatest adventure of my life!” 

Wendy said she looks forward to checking in on one of the Crossroads Open Mike nights.  She remarked that she thinks "It's a Small World After All" might be an appropriate theme song for the community.  “Here, you see a little bit of everything.  Perhaps there should be a grunge version and a classical version, too!”