THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 16, 1996 TAG: 9606150094
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Rebecca M. Cuthins
LENGTH: 84 lines
Nothing excites Consuelo Branch more than the arrival of new books at the library.
That's part of the reason why Branch, a senior library assistant at the main location of the Portsmouth Public Library on Court Street, has remained in her job for 20 years and hopes to stick around well into the next century.
``If the Lord is willing and the creek doesn't rise, I'd like to make it another 20,'' said Branch, 44, a book clerk in the main library's technical processing department.
A Portsmouth native, Branch began her library career as a part-time employee at the lending desk downtown. Soon afterward, a colleague left on maternity leave, so Branch volunteered to spend her lunch hours learning the woman's job.
To Branch - a new mother herself at the time - it was a small sacrifice to make in exchange for better hours.
``You see, this is the only department in the system that works five days, no nights, no weekends,'' Branch explained.
Because the woman on maternity leave moved out of state, Branch was allowed to remain in the position indefinitely.
``This has been my home ever since,'' she said.
In fact, the main library has been a ``home away from home'' for three generations of Branch's family.
Branch's mother, Alma White, worked as the secretary to the entire library system for 27 years. Branch's sister, Vanessa, worked at the library during her high school and college years. One of Branch's daughters, Suenyo LaTisha, 21, started working as a shelver at the library while she was in high school and remained there until she took a job recently at the Children's Museum.
Branch's 17-year-old daughter, Timithea JoAnne, however, has no plans to continue the family tradition. A recent graduate of I.C. Norcom High School, Timithea plans to attend Tidewater Community College in the fall, then transfer to Old Dominion University to study architectural engineering.
Though Consuelo was once a voracious reader, she doesn't read as much as she used to ``because if you get a good book, you get absolutely nothing done at home,'' she said with a laugh.
But there is one author for whom Branch always makes time: Danielle Steele.
``Danielle's women always come out on top,'' she said. ``They go through some things, but they always pull through.''
Name: Consuelo J.W. Branch.
Nickname: Middle name ``Jan.''
Neighborhood: Cavalier Manor.
Number of years in Portsmouth: 44.
Birthplace: Portsmouth Naval Hospital.
Birthdate: Sept. 28, 1951.
Occupation: Senior library assistant.
What job other than your own would you like? None. I enjoy my work.
Marital status: Married.
Children: Suenyo LaTisha, 21; and Timithea JoAnne, 17.
Fondest childhood memory: Surprise birthday party and traveling to New York City alone on the bus to spend the summer with my godmother.
First concert: Nancy Wilson, Paramount, New York City, 1975.
What song or book title best describes your life? The song ``If I Can Help Somebody'' and the book ``Bumblebees Fly Anyway.''
If you won the lottery, what's the very first thing you would buy? A little more comfort for my family and church.
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? None. I like who I am.
Biggest accomplishment: My daughters.
Most embarrassing moment: In seventh grade, talking about one of my teachers as he entered the class.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? More patience.
Perfect way to spend the day: Relaxing with a good book while listening to a little jazz or just driving the highway.
I can't resist: Good chocolate ice cream and buying pretty shoes.
Favorite Portsmouth restaurant: My mom's kitchen.
Favorite Portsmouth hangout: Home, my mom's, or Emanuel AME Church.
Biggest problem facing Portsmouth: Homeless people, drugs, crime.
If you had three wishes for Portsmouth, what would they be?
Safe, educational recreational facilities for young and old alike.
To activate Portsmouth malls (Tower Mall, MidCity, Middle Street Mall) to serve the needs of our citizens to keep our revenue within the city.
To respect and relate truthfully, live in harmony, without fear, prejudice or violence toward one another.
Other than its small-town atmosphere, what do you like about living in Portsmouth? Family, friends and weather. by CNB