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Jill Gordon is the Zoo Librarian for the Saint Louis Zoo and has been a member of SLA for 26 years. 
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I have been the librarian at the Saint Louis Zoo for over 27 years. I am the first librarian to work at the Zoo, and initially the challenge of starting a library more or less from scratch and the opportunity to work in such a wonderful environment appealed to me. After 27 years, I still love coming to the Zoo every day. There is such a variety of work to do and so much to learn about animals. And I love spending my lunch hour walking out on Zoo grounds.
What’s the one piece of advice you would tell someone new to the field?
I’ve learned a lot over the years, but I think being flexible and open to change have been very important. You may end up doing things you never expected.
What do you value about SLA?
I appreciate the opportunity to network with other librarians, to hear or read about what’s going on in other libraries, and to be able to benefit from the expertise of others.
What book(s) are you currently reading?
I am re-reading The Beginner’s Goodbye by Anne Tyler. I read her newest book A Spool of Blue Thread earlier this year and decided to re-read some others. Ladder of Years and The Accidental Tourist are two of my favorites. Her books have some very odd and quirky characters, but I always like them.
What’s your favorite metro St. Louis area restaurant/food/landmark?
My new favorite restaurant is Water Street in Maplewood. I also love the atmosphere at the Boathouse in Forest Park.
Lastly, how can people connect with you?
My email address is Gordon (at) stlzoo (dot) org.