Matt Lighthart began his career as an art teacher, gravitating towards working in libraries based on his love of books and reading. Since joining Virginia Beach Public Library in 1995, Matt has worked in nearly every imaginable capacity. He’s shelved books, driven the Bookmobile, conducted trainings and storytimes, and has even found himself promoting libraries in the occasional TV interview.
Matt’s favorite aspect of working in libraries is the gratitude that customers show when he helps them learn something new or find just the thing they were seeking. Matt provides reference and reader’s advisory assistance to customers when he’s not conducting tours or presenting storytimes. When he’s not in the library, he spends as much time with his family as possible. Matt and his family enjoy the outdoors, surfing, kayaking, hiking in one of Tidewater’s beautiful parks or wildlife reserves, and volunteering with the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response program.