Since Anita Lamkin moved to the Fairfax area over 30 years ago, she has served Fairfax County Public Libraries both as employee and volunteer. The retired music librarian, who has received honors for her volunteer hours to FCPL, has an extensive musical background and is responsible for starting the FCPL recital series. She is this week's People Profile.
Years in the community: Since 1969.
Family: I am single.
Education: Bachelor of music from University of Miami (Coral Gables); diploma, Moody Bible Institute (Chicago); Master of Library Science, University of Maryland; music study in Italy and France.
Occupation: Retired from being a Fairfax County Public Libraries music librarian for over 26 years.
Achievements: Starting FCPL recital series in early 1970s.
Activities/interests/hobbies: I continue to direct the concerts as a volunteer. Other interests are gardening, reading, singing in my church choir, and working in the church library (which is as large and busy as many public libraries).
Favorite restaurant: I don't eat in restaurants often (prefer my own cooking), but my preference is for Chinese food.
Community concerns: Fairfax County is a wonderful place to live, with all the requirements for a first-class recital series: many exceptionally fine teachers, unusually talented students, and parents who are willing to invest in their children's training, and some of the nation's top musicians who reside here. One of my biggest concerns has nothing to do with music, but, rather, the abysmal state of grammar today. Not only children seem unable to speak without using "like" every other word, but also TV anchors and supposedly educated people in the public eye butcher the rules of grammar constantly.
What brought you here?
After library school, I moved here because FCPL was the only organization that had a need for a music librarian.
Community "hidden treasures:" More people should be aware of our free classical music concert series, which presents the very finest professional musicians in the area and from beyond. In addition, as far as we can ascertain, our Young Soloists recitals are unique in the U.S.
When you were young, what did you want to be when you "grew up?"
When I was growing up, I wanted to be the world's finest opera singer.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
In five years, I see myself continuing to manage the concerts.
Personal goals: To serve God as He leads me.