Getting to Know You: Bonnie Imler

by Barbara Kopshina

Bonnie Imler, head librarian at the Penn State Altoona Campus, has been with the University since 1992. Originally from Williamsburg, Pennsylvania, Bonnie was raised on a dairy farm where her parents still reside. She received her bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a certificate in Latin American Studies from Dickinson College. After graduating, she worked for a year at a concierge service company in Washington D.C. Bonnie’s job was to answer any questions from customers. One of the more extraordinary questions came from a man wanting to know how he could get live penguins for his wife’s birthday party. I might also mention that this was prior to the internet and a simple Google search.

Bonnie went on to get her master’s degree in Library Science from University of Pittsburgh and has several memberships with associations including PALA and ALA. Some areas of interest for her include user research and usability studies. She is also known for her love of redesigning areas and buying new furniture. Outside of work, Bonnie enjoys quilting. She’s been quilting for about 12 years and started out knowing very little about sewing. Now, she volunteers to teach classes on the subject.

Untitled-1

Bonnie has been quilting for 12 years.

Bonnie and her husband of 25 years have two sons, Gabe and Kendrick. Both are very musically inclined and are involved in marching band and jazz band. The entire family attends several concerts yearly and has seen Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney and Elton John, to name a few. Bonnie is also very involved with her church and holds several leadership positions including working on campaign committees.

Pencils

Nancy Drew