UTA Libraries Staff Spotlight: Chloé Bennett

As you walk into Chloé Bennett's office at the UTA Central Library, you first notice her warm smile and personality matching her willingness to help others.  

Chloé is one of the Libraries’ Experiential Learning Librarians. She works daily to connect faculty expertise in specialized areas with library resources and bring that together with students to create unique learning opportunities.  

Before joining UTA, Chloé spent 10 years working in public schools. 

"I taught in an elementary STEM lab for 10 years. I loved the job and the kids but thought it was time to move on. So, I saw this posting and immediately thought, 'Oh my God, that is right for me,'" Chloé said. "I applied for it, and just as the school year was closing out, Nicole Spoor called and said, 'Let's schedule an interview.' When I got hired, I jumped in feet first and have never looked back." 

Since coming to UTA Libraries six months ago, Chloé credits the move's success to the support she has received from her family and friends. 

"I am really lucky to have the friends and family that I do. In the six months that I have worked here, my parents have come to visit multiple times. My siblings come to visit. My husband has come up. My aunt and uncle wanted to see what we were doing, so they came by the library," she said. "They are all in the Metroplex, and we love to be involved in each other's lives. Just having that support system and knowing that I have got folks who have got my back is great."

Outside of her work at the university, music is a significant part of Chloé's life, from singing in her church choir to playing her harp named Taliesin. Chloé's musical talents developed at an early age. 

"I play the harp and have played since the fifth grade. When I was little, my family used to go to the Sunday brunch at the Marriott and they would have a harpist. I was just obsessed with it. It is a gorgeous, elegant and weird instrument," she said. "We were in a music store once, and there was this tiny little harp. I said, 'If you never buy me anything else again, I must have this harp.' So, they got it for me for Christmas, and I outgrew it in a year. I now have three harps at home." 

Chloé got her current harp, Taliesin, a grand concert harp in high school. Faced with the choice of a car or a new harp, Chloé chose the harp. 

"I knew they would never buy me a car as expensive as the harp I wanted, so I asked for the harp. I got to fly to Chicago, pick out the individual pieces of wood that it was made from, and meet all the incredible artists who were making it. Once they made it, they drove it all the way from Chicago to Texas. So that is my baby." 

Chloé's dedication to music has not wavered and she still plays regularly. However, the size of the instrument makes owning a van a must for transporting it back and forth from her home. 

Since joining the staff, Chloé feels right at home with the warm welcome and kindness that she has received. She wants to let people know she is happy to help with anything large or small. 

"Whatever you are doing, I would love to learn and help out. That is my jam," she said. "I love jumping in and helping." 

Chloé, we are happy to have you on our team here at UTA Libraries and are thankful for your helpful spirit. We look forward to seeing what you will accomplish at the university. Welcome to UTA.