Five Questions (Retiree Edition): Michelle Cadoree Bradley

What is your background?

I was raised in a quaint little town nestled in the heart of central Louisiana, where life moved at its own leisurely pace. In this charming setting, I was born and nurtured with the sweet scent of magnolias and the rhythm of the bayou and farm life.

My family was a beautiful blend of real-world knowledge and nurturing warmth. My father, a farmer, toiled the land with love, and understood everything about the natural world around him, while my mother, a nurse, tended to the hearts and health of those around her. They both instilled in me a boundless love for learning and helped feed my insatiable appetite for books. Oh, how they encouraged my young mind to explore the vast worlds hidden between the pages! As long as my chores were done, I was free to endlessly dive into the realms of knowledge.

But there was a magical place that ignited the spark of curiosity within me—the Avoyelles Parish Public Library in Marksville, LA. It was a treasure trove of wonder, and my guides on this literary adventure were none other than the enchanting librarians, Miss Teresa and Miss Mary. They were like sorceresses, guiding me through the mystical aisles of books that whispered ancient tales into my eager ears.

The more I delved into the magical world of books, the stronger my desire grew to become a guardian of this realm—a librarian, just like the captivating Miss Teresa and Miss Mary. Following their sage advice, I left my small town and embarked on a life-changing journey to the broader world at the renowned Louisiana State University, where I honed my librarian skills and obtained my MLIS.

Why did you want to work at the Library of Congress?

In 1989 I had freshly graduated from the prestigious LSU School of Library and Information Science. With a heart brimming with excitement and a lot of nervousness, I joined the Library of Congress 89-90 Intern Program. Here, I crossed paths with brilliant minds from all corners of the world, united in their passion for books and knowledge.

I joined the intern program and participated with international librarians, Asma Bte Ahmat of Mayalysia, Elda Monia Guerrero of Mexico and Rebecca J. Kennedy of New Zealand; Library of Congress staff members, David T. Albee, Lisa Barker, Vera Clyburn, Barbara Conaty, and Thomas Smith; and outside interns, Jade Falkowski, Michael Malone, Cathy Martin, Martha O’Hara Conway, and David Reser.  Under the watchful eye of program manager Fern Underdue, we embarked on a grand adventure through the vast halls of the Library. From acquisitions to preservation, from bibliographic services to congressional affairs, my intern class explored it all. And at the end of this transformative experience, I was officially offered a position in the Science and Technology Division, where I would embark on a career that would span over three decades.

How would you describe your job at the Library of Congress?

What is the essence of my job at the Library of Congress? As the former Librarian of Congress, Dr. James Billington, once described, I am a knowledge navigator—I am a co-researcher, an explorer, and a custodian of knowledge.  My days are filled with the joy of unraveling mysteries buried within our collections and discovering new treasures that enrich the Library’s vast collections.

My journey at the Library has been nothing short of extraordinary. I have worked with wonderful people on various projects that have left a lasting impact on this venerable institution. From the early days, revolutionizing the research area with CD-ROM towers to collaborating on a digital Ask-a-Librarian system, I have worked for innovation in our services.

Do you have a favorite Library collection or program?

Now, I must confess—I have no favorite collection or program at the Library. How can one choose from the boundless wonders of the science collections? Each section is a universe of its own, waiting to be explored and admired.

But, my most treasured gem amidst this grand treasure trove is not a collection or a program—it is the remarkable people I have had the honor to meet and work with. From my awe-inspiring supervisor, Constance Carter, to the ever-diligent Ann Della Porta, and the illustrious Tom Mann—each one has left an indelible mark on my journey.

As I roamed the halls of the Library, I found myself surrounded by a constellation of incredible souls. Diane Kresh, Ardie Bausenbach, Sally MacCallum, Danna Bell, Linda White, Darren Jones, John Buydos, and so many others—a tapestry of brilliance woven together. Every project that I worked on, every committee, every program, was filled with inspiring coworkers who illuminated my path and filled my heart with gratitude.

If you weren’t a librarian, what would you want to be?

And now, as I bid farewell to my cherished role as a librarian, I embark on a new chapter of life. Though I leave the Library behind, my love for books and knowledge shall never leave me. With more time on my hands, I shall embark on new adventures, exploring the world with my loving husband, Carl, and sharing laughter with my dear son, Everette. The pages of life are still turning, and my love affair with books shall continue, forever and always.

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