Meet the Staff
Administration
The Administration Department provides leadership and support for library-wide initiatives and operations. Staff develop and manage the budget; provide accounts payable and financial reporting services; work with the Board of Trustees to set policies and priorities; manage external communications; oversee and schedule meeting rooms; and provide a wide variety of support to Library departments and staff.
Executive Director
Deirdre Brennan
Assistant Director for Administrative Services
Jim Madigan
Assistant Director for Public Services and Programs
Rebecca Teasdale
Virtual Services Manager
Anne Slaughter
Communications Coordinator
Sharon Grimm, sgrimm@oppl.org
Adult and Teen Services
Adult and Teen Services Manager
Elsworth Rockefeller
Adult and Teen Services provides dynamic materials collections for customers middle school age and older, including fiction and nonfiction print, graphic novels, audiobooks, eBooks, music, and video games. We also provide support for users of the library’s electronic resources, like research databases, career services and test prep, and language learning programs. Our physical space includes group study rooms, meeting rooms, an art gallery, a computer classroom, a special collections area, a technology center, a book discussion room, a dedicated teen space and a quiet reading room. We offer recreational, social, and educational programs for teens and adults and free technology classes on a wide variety of topics and at different levels. We house one Adaptive Technology PC for users with visual impairments (featuring JAWS, Kurzweil and ZoomText). Our staff are experienced in providing traditional reference services, local history information, readers’ advisory for teens and adults in fiction and nonfiction, and general computer trouble shooting. Adult and Teen Services has offered a free Home Delivery Service for over 60 years, increasing from less than ten patrons to over 60. We would love to serve you; please visit us today.
Branch Services
Branch Services Manager
Lori Pulliam
The Dole Branch is a cozy neighborhood location which offers books, magazines, and movies for all ages, weekly storytimes, playgroups and after-school program, monthly book discussions, convenient holds pick-up and free meeting space to Oak Park community groups. Free wifi and laptops are available for use in the library.
The Maze Branch is distinguished by its open airy reading room with fireplace. The library collections include books, magazines, music, audiobooks and movies for all ages. We have computers available in the lower level for adults and kids as well as laptops for use in the library. Regular programs include storytimes, playgroups, book discussions, crafts and film series.
Children's Services
Children's Services Manager
Heather McCammond-Watts
Children's Services offers books, movies, music, and video games for children from birth through 5th grade. We also have internet computers, preschool game computers, an open playroom, homework study rooms, and a gerbil mascot--Ramona Nibbles! Our programs include early childhood storytimes, after school programs, family events, special performers, tours, and an amazing summer reading program. Every day you will discover something different and fun to do. Staff members with expertise in early literacy, child development, and children's literature are always available to help you find just the right book, program, or information.
Customer Service
Customer Service Manager
Monica Harris
Customer Service is here to make your library visit efficient and memorable. Staff will assist you with library card applications, checking materials in and out, picking up holds, and finding other resources in the library and community. You’ll also see us manning the lobby to welcome you to the building and tinkering in the Idea Box, our participatory community space in the Main Library’s vestibule.
Collection Development
Collection Development Manager
Bleue J. Benton
Collection Development oversees the selection and management of print, audiovisual, and electronic materials for library users of all ages. We choose materials appropriate for a medium-sized public library, based on significance and anticipated demand. The department also provides interlibrary loan service for materials not available through the SWAN catalog.
Information Technology
Information Technology Manager
Curt Stacey
Facilities Department
Facilities Manager
Rory O'Neill
Technical Services
Technical Services Manager
Karen Bar
Technical Services orders, receives, catalogs and processes all library materials.