About Our Staff
- We have around 50 employees at any given time.
- Nearly 40% of our staff members are Carol Stream Residents.
- Our average staff tenure is over 7 years.
Library Administration
Susan Westgate
What I do at the library:
I am responsible for the overall management of the Library staff and facility. This encompasses the Library’s administration of finances, Human Resources, policies, community partnerships, Library services and programs.
Why I wanted to be a librarian:
I enjoy interacting with and helping people. The Library is a gateway to the fulfillment of dreams.
How I help patrons create, search play or learn every day:
By providing the community with easy access to resources, services and programs that will enrich their lives in a warm and welcoming setting.
My favorite thing about our library:
Our commitment to do our best in serving the residents of Carol Stream.
Favorite book from childhood:
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. I have read them over and over.
Laura Hays
What I do at the library:
As the Assistant Library Director, I support the Library Director, manage the operation and employees of the Technical Services Department and Business Office, and coordinate Information Technology Projects..
Why I wanted to be a librarian:
When I was in school, I enjoyed the research part of writing papers more than the actual writing. I still enjoy this part of problem solving along with discovering answers to puzzling questions.
How I help patrons create, search play or learn every day:
The questions change every day, so what I do changes every day. I might help someone fill out a government form or job application or help them find the next book in a series that they are reading, but the process is always discovering what a person wants or needs and assisting them.
My favorite thing about our library:
The staff. I’m lucky to work in such a collegial and supportive work environment.
What’s your earliest/best memory about visiting a library as a child?
I would go through Nancy Drew mysteries like they were candy.
Athens Moreno
What I do at the library:
I manage the Adult Services side of the library and work with an amazing team to bring materials, resources, and programs to our community.
Why I wanted to be a librarian:
I've always enjoy helping people and I'm fortunate to be in a position where I get to do that everyday
How I help patrons create, search play or learn every day:
For anyone that comes to the library, I hope I can help be a bridge for them in learning something new whether it's attending a program, reading a good book, or aiming to learn a new skill, I'm here to help.
My favorite thing about our library:
The staff. I enjoy working with the team here in making the experience for our patrons the best it can be.
Favorite book from childhood:
Corduroy, I always feel that in times we are too just a bear who loses their button.
Amy Teske
What I do at the library:
I manage all things related to kids from birth to 8th grade using the library.
Why I wanted to be a librarian:
I worked in many libraries from the time I was 16 through college, but thought I wanted to teach high school English. When I made the connection that what happens at the library is individual teaching opportunities, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.
How I help patrons create, search play or learn every day:
Through the programs that the Youth Department provide! Storytimes are full of playing and learning.
My favorite thing about our library:
Helping a user find what he or she wanted to find.
What’s your earliest/best memory about visiting a library as a child?
My father was Director at the Evanston Public Library while I was growing up. He used to take me along with my brother and sister to the library when it was closed on Sunday afternoons during the summer. We would have the run of the place while he did a little work, or we would help him with a project. When my brother and I were little enough, he would put us on carts and wheel us around. Sometimes we even got to bring our dog to the library, and she loved running around in there as much as we did!
Melanie Johnson
What I do at the library:
I manage the Patron Services staff who are responsible for maintaining patron accounts and processing all checkouts, returns, and holds.
Why I wanted to be a librarian:
After volunteering at libraries in high school, I knew it was an environment where I would feel comfortable to be myself while being able to make connections with members of the community.
How I help patrons create, search play or learn every day:
Our desk is the first stop in the library! We make library cards and guide patrons on their way to the materials and services that they are interested in.
My favorite thing about our library:
Getting the opportunity to give patrons their very first library card!
Favorite book from childhood:
The Crayon Box that Talked by Shane Derolf