Portrait of a Lady: Susi Ludwig

Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Vienna, Austria. I have lived in New York City for a while and in a north suburb of Chicago for 7 years.

What did you do before?
I have been the director of the Galena Public Library District now for more than a year. I have worked at the library since 2001. From 1994 to 2000 I have worked at the Wilmette Public Library and worn many different hats, which was great because I learned so much about the library business.

And before? I have always worked during my studies in Vienna. The odd jobs here and there. I loved my internship at the Austrian Television Company.

What has been the most interesting aspect of your work?
Networking. I have had the most incredible, most wonderful, most helpful experiences in networking within our community, within the library world and within my friends who are a true inspiration.

What has been your biggest challenge?
To go home because work has been so much fun.

Tell me about your family.
I am married for the second time to my best friend Andreas. I have three daughters from my first marriage who love growing up in Galena. Michelle is 12, Carina is11 and Lisi is 8.
This is why I “carry” such a long name, Ludwig-Ruppert a tribute to my two marriages.
The rest of my family lives in Austria and we try to go visit as often as we can.

Any pets?
Yes, we have two. A black Labrador mix named Buddy we adopted from the Dubuque Humane Society. A little plump guinea pig called Schnucki.

Who inspires you?
You meet many great inspiring people throughout your life and I am grateful to all of them for listening to me, being honest with me, helping me lift my spirits, and encouraging me.

Favorite Movie?
I have two. I went to see “Gone With The Wind” on a really big screen with my mom. This memory is so special, especially the part when we cried our little hearts out together even though we had seen the movie many times before.

“Out of Africa”. I cannot count how many times I have seen this movie. I have read the book and many other stories by Isaak Dinesen. She is a fantastic storyteller. One other reason I might like this movie so much is because one of the best Austrian actors on stage and on the screen plays the role of Baron Blixen. I used to follow his stage performances in Austria with one of my best friends.