A Gilbert and Sullivan operetta singer has joined the Kelly Library as an evening public services technician (4 p.m. to 12 a.m.).
Risa de Rege has performed in Gilbert and Sullivan operettas in Canada as well as Yorkshire, England. Last week she stepped onstage to take over Kristy Wheaton’s previous position at the library’s loans desk.
“I believe in libraries!” Risa exclaims. “I think [the profession’s] so cool because it’s always changing . . . there’s so much more that libraries are offering.”
The Kelly Library already feels like home. Last year she began working here part-time, mending old books and processing new ones. The hands-on work was satisfying. But Risa loves helping people as well as books. For several years, she worked as an undergraduate student at the E.J. Pratt Library circulation desk at Victoria College. Offering patrons support felt great.
“It’s nice to be able to pass that along,” she says.
Becoming part of the Victoria College and E.J. Pratt Library communities felt special. It’s a feeling she’s looking forward to at St. Mike’s.
As an undergraduate, Risa studied history, medieval studies, and art, all the while working at the Pratt Library. After graduating, she explored writing and communications at Humber College before being lured to St. Mike’s part-time last year. Since then, Risa has been taking online classes at Mohawk College to qualify as a library technician. She’s also taking part in a play.
What with operettas and library school, you might think Risa would be drained by the end of the day. But she’s always finding out about something new. Anthropology, medieval studies, the history of science, and digital humanities are just some of the topics she’s explored in classes recently–along with singing instruction.
Risa’s been taking private singing lessons for the past seven years. Does she ever wish she were a professional singer?
No, Risa says, grinning. Professionals have no free time. “All you do,” she says, “is practice and sing!” Besides, Risa adds, if you’re successful, you have to travel all the time.
She prefers a more well-rounded life. Next up is learning the violin!