**Please let me know if something doesn’t get to you and I will resend.***

Hello! My name is Maria. I currently live in Western New York (transplant from the PNW) with my wife and our sweet poodle, Thelma. I enjoy the winter but not so much the summer humidity.

I work as an adult services manager in a large public library. I am always happy to talk about libraries, programming, books and education. I would be extra excited to receive items from your local library—book lists, program flyers, etc. I love to see what’s going on in your part of the world.

I love meeting new people and participating in swaps. Choosing things I think will make people happy is the best part of swapping.

I enjoy a wide range of fiction. Some favorite authors include Octavia Butler Karen Joy Fowler, Sarah Gailey, Emily St. John Mandel, Tiffany Jackson, Rebecca Stead, Kate DiCamillo, Garth Nix. I also read the occasional graphic novel and nonfiction.

Paper crafts of all kinds: postcard creation, bookbinding, journal-making, mail art

Penpals

Reading/book groups

Baking

Visiting museums and bookstores. I like lectures and author visits and learning new things.

Below are some ideas for things I enjoy. However, they are just suggestions. I love surprises and like lots of things not listed.

I love stickers.

Things I am especially fond of: Snails, mushrooms, rain, clouds, outer space, planets, stars/moon, robots, cats, stripes, polka dots, rainbows, mail/post office, things that are metallic, or have shimmer or sparkle. Map-related. LGBTQ

I am also a fan of things that are odd or quirky. I enjoy handmade things of all sorts.

I rather enjoy vintage postcards or advertisements. I also like interesting postcards that advertise something you enjoy: bands, books, authors, artists.

Other postcard themes: sci-fi, space, moon, quirky, maps, cats, fashion, snails, Star Trek, graphic novel or picture book themed.

I like dark chocolate plain or, really, with anything. I can't think of anything I don't like in chocolate. :)

Things to avoid:

Stickers with words only or inspirational/motivational sayings.

Tea--I don't drink it

Religiously themed items.

Planner stickers

Kiddie reward stickers.Kawaii is totally fine!

Strong scents

Angels

Favorite TV and Movies: Home for the Holidays, Far from Heaven, Single Man, Brokeback Mountain, But I'm a Cheerleader, Groundhog Day, Schitt's Creek, The Good Place, Star Trek, Handmaid’s Tale, Bridgerton, Somebody Somewhere