Congratulations to our Final WIZ (Working in the Zone) Award Recipients for the first quarter of 2025! This quarter brings an end to the WIZ Awards.
We received 26 nominations for excellent work by PCCLD employees from co-workers, managers and patrons. Kudos to our PCCLD employees! Out of all the nominations received, the Steering Committee selected 3 individuals to receive the WIZ Award for this final quarter. We asked each of the recipients some questions in order to get to know them a little better.
Please take a few minutes to read each WIZ Award spotlight and to congratulate each of the WIZ Award recipients!
Sandy Hudock
Sandy joined the library district in April of 2021 as Librarian/Assistant Branch Manager at the Giodone library.
Sandy joined the district after serving as Teacher, Professor, Research Librarian and Director of Education, Research and Outreach Services at CSU-P. Sandy is recognized for consistently providing new and innovative programming and working with community partners. Sandy ensured that the ESL classes continued while the district was recruiting a Hispanic Resources Specialist! Sandy has done much work with Catholic Charities on their citizenship classes as well. Sandy is nominated for Engaging Customers leading to increased Program Attendance. Congratulations Sandy!
What do you like best about working at the Library District?
I like the variety of people we get to support and interact with- all ages, with all different interests, and how we have the opportunity to create community. I especially love our Crochet Club. It's a group of wonderful people who can enjoy both conversation and companionable silence, and a great way to end the work week.
What book do you really connect with, or what book are you reading right now?
The ending chapters of the book of Job for its poetry that addresses suffering, beauty, and mystery.
What is one of your favorite local Pueblo places to eat (we love to discover new places!)?
I know this sounds sketchy, given where I work, but Giodone's Restaurant is REALLY good. They will even make gluten-free dishes upon request. Try them, you'll like them!
Who is one of your favorite bands or musical artists?
Bruce Cockburn (he's Canadian).
If a genie gave you a wish what would you wish for?
More wishes to have worldwide peace, an end to poverty and suffering, and of course, safeguarding the environment.
What is one of your favorite sweet treats?
Lemon bars.
What book should not have been made into a movie and why?
The Snowman, by Jo Nesbo, got panned by critics in the movie version, but I didn't care. The murder-foreshadowing snowmen just weren't scary enough.
What is one of your favorite hobbies?
Hiking.
If you could wake up tomorrow with a brand-new skill, what would it be?
To be fluent in multiple languages.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I like to sculpt.
Brianne Hasui
Brianne joined PCCLD in May of 2023 and serves as Customer Service Representative 2 at the Pueblo West library. Brianne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Studies and a Minor in French. Brianne is recognized for stepping in numerous times to troubleshoot technology issues including printing issues!
Brianne is appreciated by coworkers and patrons alike for creating diverse, thoughtful, and interactive displays in the Teen area. Brianne often has patron surveys on hand so that she can learn more about patron interests in the Pueblo West community. Brianne is valued as a team player who helps out with programs anytime she is able to do so. Brianne is also frequently acknowledged for her kindness. Brianne is nominated for Engaging Customers leading to increased Digital Use, Library Visits, and Program Attendance. Congratulations Brianne!
What do you like best about working at the Library District?
I enjoy the opportunities to be creative like making fun book displays or doing craft programs.
What book do you really connect with, or what book are you reading right now?
I just finished a graphic novel called Displacement. I loved the art style, and the story itself was incredibly thoughtful and well done.
What is one of your favorite local Pueblo places to eat (we love to discover new places!)?
The first place that came to mind was Do Drop Inn. I don't go there often, but I like their pizza!
Who is one of your favorite bands or musical artists?
I saw mxmtoon in concert this year, and she was so good!! I love her music, and I think she's a funny and kind person.
If a genie gave you a wish what would you wish for?
Enough money to take as many classes as I want, academic and otherwise, would be nice.
What is one of your favorite sweet treats?
I love ice cream!
What book should not have been made into a movie and why?
Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters. They tried to bridge the gap between being more accurate to the books while still having continuity with the movie adaptation of The Lightning Thief, and that just made the movie confusing, messy, and worse than the first. (To be honest, I only saw it once, so I can't give a more detailed opinion LOL.)
What is one of your favorite hobbies?
I love to crochet. I started out mostly making plushies, but I've recently dabbled in crocheting clothes. At the PW branch, I co-facilitate a crochet club with Stacy!
If you could wake up tomorrow with a brand-new skill, what would it be?
If I could learn multiple languages overnight, that would be awesome. Or more realistically, I'd like to be better at parallel parking LOL.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I was 3-6 class credits short of being a Film Minor when I got my bachelor's degree. My last year was just too full to squeeze in those last classes. Instead, I minored in French.
Penny Jerman
Penny came onboard with the district in January of 2024 as a Customer Service Representative. Penny now serves as Program and Outreach Specialist at Barkman library. Penny holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and English and worked as a Work-study Librarian for 5 years at CSU-P. Penny also has over 10 years’ experience as a Pet Stylist and is a Certified Groomer! Penny is recognized for jumping in and taking over many responsibilities at the Barkman library when other staff members were on extended leave. Penny has such a positive impact on the branch and her kindness and ability to connect with outreach partners is very much appreciated. Penny is nominated for Empowering Innovation leading to increased Program Attendance and Library Visits.
Congratulations Penny!
What do you like best about working at the Library District?
Working in a library has been my dream job since middle school. I can't pick just one thing about working for the district, because I get to work with amazing people. I get to talk to others about books, movies and crafts.
What book do you really connect with, or what book are you reading right now?
I'm reading a few books at the moment: The House Witch by Delemhach, Motheater by Linda Codega, One Piece by Eiichiro Oda and Selene Shade: Resurrectionist for hire by Victoria Dalpe.
What is one of your favorite local Pueblo places to eat (we love to discover new places!)?
MAKS on 2535 Lake Ave. They make amazing breakfast burritos.
Who is one of your favorite bands or musical artists?
Mediæval Bæbes. They are a great band to listen to while reading fantasy books.
If a genie gave you a wish what would you wish for?
Infinite wishes. Then probably whatever my ADHD decided it wanted at any given moment.
What is one of your favorite sweet treats?
Chocolate and peanut butter!
What book should not have been made into a movie and why?
Blood and Chocolate (2007), If they wanted to make a movie about parkour in France, then they should’ve made that and not used the book.
World War Z (2013), The movie has nothing to do with the book. The book is infinitely better and has a lot of amazing stories in it.
What is one of your favorite hobbies?
Reading, painting, pc gaming. I alternate between these three so I don't lose interest.
If you could wake up tomorrow with a brand-new skill, what would it be?
Being fluent in ASL (American Sign Language).
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I almost went to flight school to become a cargo transport pilot.