LibraryMaker

Hi! I'm Barbie (she/her), a queer librarian from Virginia. I am interested in long letter writing and finding a new penpal or two. I love to write, and on occasion doodle some. :) Recently, I've been starting to get back into watercolor and mail art, and swapping is perfect for that. It is nice to have a prompt to follow.

In terms of swapping, I like getting to know people and just chatting. Write about anything you like! I like finding out about daily life in different places. Long rambling letters are the best. I really do want to know the ins and outs of what you had for dinner and all about that cute noise your dog just made. If you ever would like a reply, just make sure to let me know! My favorite part about all of this is making connections with people around the world and sending little happy gifts.

I'm also very happy to give book recommendations (really it is my job as a reader's advisory focused librarian... but I never really stop. Ask any of my friends). If we're matched up and you don't know what to write about, I'd love to know what books you've enjoyed.

I'm very into the idea of using what you have on hand/making something/supporting artists. Right now it feels like so much of the world is obsessed with buying things and for me, swapping is about creating and sharing. If you have the bandwidth and it isn't specifically against the swap rules, I'd love to see what you make! Even if you think you aren't artistic, I will love it! I also acknowledge that not everyone (including myself at times) has the energy to get creative, so please send as you are able. Adjacent to that, typed letters are always ok with me.

The list of interests/favorites below is just a list of ideas, because I know I worry about sending things that aren't what the recipient will like and don't want you to feel anxious about it if I can share a bit here. Feel free to "go rogue". :)

Update 4/8/22 -

Hi all, I've been dealing with some pretty awful health issues that has been keeping me out of commission for the past few months. I'm spending tonight catching up on the overdue ratings I need to do, but then I'll be on hiatus for the foreseeable future. If you would like to be in contact, my instagram is linked above.

I hope everyone is safe and well!

I like a lot of different things, and I'm a big nerd about all of them. :) Do we share any interests? I'd love to know!

My interests include:

• science fiction books, film, and TV (see the list of favorite media for examples)
• really any books/reading/storytelling
• fine art, graphic design, and illustration (I'd love to discuss your favorite artists!)
• creepy things... written, visual, the general sense of unease that comes from walking around in the wee hours of the morning...
• outsider art
• cryptids, specifically I have a sweet spot for Mothman, but any cryptid is delightful.
• witchy things (I'm a practicing witch)
• horror
• history and historical clothing (#historybounding, Edwardian in particular)
• ghost stories... have you been haunted?
• vintage clothing (I like to wear and make)
• vintage/retro themes - 1990s and all the way back in time ;)
• old photographs, especially of normal everyday people doing anything
• zines
• knitting
• sewing
• all things to do with plants/nature (houseplant parent)
• bicycling (I commute by bike in the non-covid times)
• thunderstorms (what is your earliest memory of a storm? How did you feel?)
• environmentalism (because the climate crisis is a big part of why we are in trouble)
• LGBTQIA+ awesomeness
• comics/graphic novels (Do you prefer superheroes or literary storytelling?)
• bullet journaling/sketchbooks
• vintage embroidery and cross stitch (I specifically collect finished pieces, but I like the kits as well)
• music and making playlists (folk music is my fav, but I like it all really... see media below)
• sitting in nature (especially near water, the sound is perfect)
• cemeteries
• houseplants
• dinosaurs (triceratops for life, but all dinos are good dinos)
• old computer interfaces/memes
• #cottagecore

I'm not very good at cooking - but I'd love recipes/tips! (esp. dairy free)

I love talking about or collecting stickers, art, stamps, and postcards on any of these topics. Do we share any interests? Let me know! I'd love to chat. :)

I love actual vintage and old stuff. Reproduction is ok, but I prefer when it is old, a little scuffed and loved. These tidbits of history just make me smile.

Update on the stamp collecting... I've recently gone down a rabbit hole of youtube videos and research and I LOVE IT. What should a new philatelist know? I've received some AMAZING stamps in swaps now and it is just delightful (thank you to those who've sent them!). I also prefer stamped mail if you have stamps. It is fun to see the art on them. :)

In terms of "aesthetic" I'm drawn to the grittier/dark/creepy looks, and I love when things are just a little rough around the edges or off kilter a bit. I am also into more "adult" themed things and would be happy to receive them. Basically, the weirder the better.

I do drink coffee and tea (both black and plain). I have a fair amount of allergies, so please don't send tea unless it is a tea specific swap (I probably won't sign up for any).

Thought I'd add a section with some of my favorite media as I see it on other people's profiles and find it helpful. I'd love to know if we have any shared interests! (This is a blend of movies/tv/books/podcast/contentcreators/fandoms/etc... I put them all together in my head).

• Twin Peaks
• Time Team
• Lore Podcast
• Star Trek
• Carl Sagan
• The Secret History by Donna Tartt
• N. K. Jemisin
• Buzzfeed Unsolved/Watcher Network
• Gravity Falls
• Unexplained Podcast
• Supernatural
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer (but Whedon is trash - there are just so many other wonderful people who made this show great)
• Dorothy Allison
• Neil Gaiman
• Indigo Girls
• My Favorite Thing is Monsters by Emil Ferris
• Iron and Wine
• The Addams Family
• Wes Anderson (most of the time)
• Rainbow Brite
• Sherlock Holmes (the original text)
• Ologies Podcast
• Dune by Frank Herbert
• Stephen Graham Jones
• Sarah Waters

I'll probably add more/take things off as my brain switches to other things. :)

I hate that I have to put this, but I received something that made me pretty upset, so I'm making a more distinct section.

Please do not send or write anything in a letter that is homophobic, transphobic, racist, misogynistic, or generally mean (to anyone). It is very hurtful and dehumanizing.