Five things you didn’t know about Tedra Richter
Tedra Richter is a reference and instruction librarian in the Krannert Memorial Library, where she has worked since 2004 in a variety of roles. She worked in her local public library while in high school, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English literature with a minor in Spanish and a master’s degree in library science, both from IUPUI. When she’s not at work, she enjoys camping and hiking, researching family genealogy and spending time with family, friends and pets. And she’s a budding guitarist.
1. What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Being able to empower students to take charge of their education, which really is a lifelong skill.
2. What is something about your job (or about the library) that people might not know?
Probably that I work with EVERYONE on campus, from the person walking in off the street, visitors, prospective students and parents, incoming freshmen, traditional and adult undergraduates, graduate students and faculty members. That covers a lot of different topics and questions, but it’s a nice challenge.
3. Favorite writer and/or book?
My favorite book would have to be “The Physician,” by Noah Gordon. The general subject is historical fiction, about a boy from 11th century England who is orphaned, becomes a barber-surgeon, and yearns to travel to Persia to seek a medical education and how he manages it. It’s massively long, something like 760 pages, but that’s what I like about it. I found it about four years ago, have read it through maybe 10-15 times completely, but I can pick it up anytime, turn to a random page, and just be swept away.
4. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Probably my military connections. While I eventually decided not to serve, my father was in the United States Navy for 26 years. That meant that we were an active duty family well into my late teens, so this meant moving every three years. While we were mostly based in the Continental US, I attended nine different schools before college. I grew up surrounded by active and reserve duty Sailors, Marines and Army just due to family friends.
5. Fill in the blank: The world would be a better place if…everyone traveled. I LOVE to travel, whether by plane, train, boat or book. It also widens peoples’ perspectives on culture, language, religion and food, which is very important in this world.
Bonus round:
Favorite restaurant or food?
Chinese food, hands down. I’ve had a favorite Chinese restaurant at every place I’ve ever lived. I blame my father’s Bronx roots.
Favorite place (or type of place) to visit on vacation?
That’s a tough one, but probably Maine. I lived there for three years, and it’s absolutely beautiful. I still have friends who live there, and the Northern Atlantic coast is fantastic. The history of the area is also very interesting, since it’s been both an French and English territory.