Getting To Know You: Tracy Reilly

By: Jennifer Cywinski and Tracy Reilly

Meet Tracy Reilly, Information Resources and Services Support Specialist at Penn State Altoona’s Robert E. Eiche Library, in her own words….

I began working at Eiche library in 1999 while I was a student, and became a weekend supervisor and was eventually hired full time after I graduated in 2003. As Information Resources and Service Support Specialist, I supervise our Work study students. I am in charge of hiring training and overseeing their payrolls, and I also cover the desk and help with patrons.

I was born in Altoona, then we moved to the country when I was a child, and I grew up in the East Freedom/Claysburg area. My very first job was at Pappy’s Pizza in Altoona. We sold a lot of cheap pizza and it was popular with younger people. The thing I remember the most was the fireplace that was in the middle of the restaurant.

Photo of couple

Tracy Reilly and husband, Tim

I have two granddaughters who are ages 3 and 7. They are the highlight of our lives! I also have a 12 year old Aussie/Sheltie Mix and he is the best dog ever. I love being outdoors so kayaking, hiking camping and gardening are some of my favorite things to do. In the winter I will work on sewing projects. I am also the chair for a local park in Altoona. I started this project last year when the city was forced to tear out a bunch of equipment in all the parks due to a lawsuit filed. I wanted my grandkids to have a place to play where they could walk to.

photo of two people kayaking on a river

kayaking in Michigan 2016

One thing you may not know about me is that my significant other, Timothy Klock, is an  international Competitor for wood sculpting/chainsaw carving. It makes our lives pretty interesting. We have made friends from all over the world and we also get to visit some pretty cool places. I went to Scotland a few years back and I am hoping to make it across the pond again to see other countries like Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

My favorite thing about working at Penn State would most definitely be the students! I love people I have met, watching them grow into adults and the mix of personalities makes this work interesting!