Supisa Oliver’s background is as multicultural and diverse as her many interests, none the least being a desire to visit Antarctica. She studied business management and then worked in finance in Bangkok before ultimately finding her vocation in library science. At the Fort Vancouver Regional Library system’s Vancouver Community Library, Oliver shares her love of learning with visitors through the library’s many resources.
“I am a curious person by nature and I have so many interests,” Oliver said. “It’s not just the love of reading, but also an interest in constant learning. As I help people find information they are looking for, I also learn about it as well. ”
Name: Supisa Oliver.
Residence neighborhood: Salmon Creek.
Employer/business name: Fort Vancouver Regional Library – Vancouver Community Library.
Business address: 901 C St., Vancouver. http://fvrl.org.
Age: 49.
Educational/professional background: I got my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kasetsart University in Bangkok, Thailand; it’s the equivalent of Washington State University — it was founded to teach agricultural science and since expanded to full university topics. I then studied business management and achieved an MBA at the University of Central Missouri. I returned to Bangkok and worked at a finance company for a year and realized that business was not a career that met my interests. I found my career ambition in the Library Science program at the University of Pittsburgh and began a career as a librarian.
How — and when — you got started in your business: I had completed my degree at Pittsburgh, and was working in the university library. My best friend from Thailand called me to tell me that there was a librarian job with a nongovernmental organization, or NGO, in Thailand. Though I had seen the ad previously, the push from my friend made me apply. Within three weeks I was on my way back home to organize and start up a resource library for an international NGO! I then worked for a private company, and after 10 years in Thailand I moved with my husband back to the U.S. I volunteered and worked as a substitute at Fort Vancouver Regional Library and was finally hired as a full-time professional librarian in early 2015.
Personal/business philosophy: Do what you love and love what you do.
Most rewarding part of job: The library was the site of our most recent naturalization ceremony. This is an important day in the lives of our new citizens and I was honored to be a part of it, leading the effort to co-host a local naturalization ceremony for the first time at the library along with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. Having gone through the citizenship process myself many years ago, it meant a lot to me to be able to help new citizens complete the final steps in this long process and to do it locally. To hear 20-plus adults saying the oath of allegiance proudly — it brought tears to my eyes.
Most challenging part of job: Public libraries used to have a major role in the community; however our community is constantly changing — new interests, new people, new challenges and as a result the library constantly realigns our services to meet community needs. For example, since the opening of the Vancouver Community Library we engage with the art community on several levels. First Friday is a communitywide art day. On this particular interest, I currently lead two art programs: Drawin’ Together and Artists in Action.
Today the internet is widely accessible. And libraries everywhere, including FVRL, have adapted by offering resources that impact our patrons on the most basic levels: providing computer resources, their employment abilities such as job labs, their families and their life-long learning opportunities, e-books, and more.
Something surprising about your work: Often people come into the library and are surprised and excited about the resources and services we have to offer: e-books, e-audio, programs for children, workshop for adults, citizenship class, conversation circle for non-English speakers, tax help, and much more.
Best feature of my Clark County community: Beautiful greenery, parks and trails.
What would make your community a better place: It has become better already and I hope it continues to improve. A mix of small businesses in downtown area is great addition to the community. Some more public transit options, more bike-safe routes, and more bicycle lockers would be great!
Your favorite travel destination: Cape Town, South Africa because of social scene, urban vibrancy and safari game drive. Bangkok, Thailand — my hometown. Italy — Rome and Tuscany. Lovely people, great food and fascinating history!
Favorite restaurant/pub/coffee shop/store: I like supporting small neighborhood businesses. Mighty Bowl for lunch; La Bottega for dinners; and I Am Thai near where I live.
Hobbies: Skiing, running, painting, knitting, wool spinning, photography.
Most enjoyable book/play/movie/arts event in past 12 months: “In the Woods,” by Tana French.
Something you’d like to do this year/within five years: For 2016, I would like to finish my first marathon. In five years, I hope to visit countries in South America and Antarctica. They are two continents I have yet to explore.
One word to describe yourself: I view myself as adventurous but others often describe me as determined.
Person you’d most like to meet: Roger Federer.
