Sandy Brewer is just plain fun to interview. Sandy thought her library career would be in academe but when a full-time position at the law library at the Circuit Court for Howard County opened up, Sandy found her calling. Along with running the library, which she does solo, she assists several offices within the courthouse on various projects, enjoys committee work, and is always up for taking on whatever is needed. Sandy is a firm believer in making oneself visible in the workplace.

Before taking her current position, Sandy received her JD at Georgia State University and her MLS from Catholic University. Between law school and library school, Sandy became a mom; her daughter is now a junior in high school and her son is in eighth grade.  After obtaining her MSLS, Sandy worked at many of the DC and Virginia law school libraries including American University, University of Richmond, and Catholic University.

When asked about her professional achievements, Sandy did not hesitate with an answer. This is because Sandy started the first civil law self-help center in a Maryland court library, a program that other circuit court law libraries have emulated. Every Tuesday morning, Sandy has attorneys ready to assist low-income individuals with legal advice. Knowing that daytime hours don’t work for everyone, Sandy expanded the program to monthly evening sessions at the public library. She is also very proud of her work with the Howard County Pro Bono Committee.  In response to Sandy’s suggestion, the Committee will be organizing their first visit to the women’s prison in Jessup.  Volunteer attorneys will meet one-on-one with inmates, as part of a 3-visit series, to provide free legal advice in family law, wills, trusts & estates and financial matters.  Lastly, Sandy is excited about being admitted into the Maryland Judiciary’s Institute for Court Management Program.

Sandy is a great lover of the outdoors and an avid gardener. When asked if “you could do it all over again”, Sandy would be a National Park Service Ranger. And if she wins the Mega Millions jackpot, Sandy will give plenty of notice and then purchase a luxury RV to visit each National Park, bringing along every historical fiction book on her wish list… in print format!  When asked how she will get to the National Parks in Hawaii, Sandy said she will fly and then buy another RV upon arrival.