Our responsive and knowledgeable staff always strives to provide a high level of service and satisfaction. We are here to help you find the information you need and the services and resources you want. Need a recommendation? Can’t find something? Not sure how to download something? Ask us! That’s what we’re here for.
Click on photos to learn more about the individual.
Sue is charged by the Board of Trustees with providing leadership and strategic vision, and managing the Library according to professional standards. Her management responsibilities include developing and supervising the staff, planning for and monitoring all areas of the budget, maintaining the building, overseeing capital improvement projects, and coordinating with other libraries and agencies. She has a Masters of Library and Information Science from Dominican University. Sue joined RFPL in 2007 and has held several positions, including Manager of Children’s Services, Head of Strategic Services, and Assistant Director. It’s no surprise that Sue spends much of her out-of-work time with her nose in a book. She is especially drawn to character-driven fiction with quirky protagonists.
Joanna’s position oversees the operation of the Materials Services Department and manages the Library’s financial and human resource functions. She works with the Assistant Materials Services Manager to ensure smooth organization, processing, and cataloging of library materials. Additionally, Joanna supports the Library Director by providing analysis on key library analytics, budget reports, and human resources support. She has been with the Library since 2007 and has a Masters of Library and Information Science from Dominican University. Joanna prefers narrative non-fiction titles, particularly those that vividly blend character and story.
In addition to creating our tri-annual Bookplate newsletter, Fran is responsible for our in-house communications, signs, flyers, social media, e-newsletter and press releases. Fran attended the University of Virginia and earned a BA in Latin American Studies and Spanish before earning her MBA in Marketing from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining our RFPL team in 2013, Fran was Director of Marketing for a commercial real estate firm and a marketing consultant. Her favorite genre? Historical fiction.
Mary Kay manages the adult collections and programs, offers readers advisory, and collaborates with the Township to create special program opportunities for our senior population. Ask Mary Kay for recommendations from her favorite genres: psychological suspense and literary fiction. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Mary Kay earned a B.A. in Literature, Language and Culture from Antioch College. She went on to earn an M.S. in Library and Information Sciences from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, after which she made Chicago her home.
You will often see Dana’s smiling face at the adult and teen services reference desk. In addition, Dana coordinates the adult programs, makes home deliveries, manages mystery, romance, and nonfiction book orders, and anything else that might come up during the day! She has a BA in English Literature from Loyola University Chicago and a Master’s of Library and Information Science from Dominican University. She first joined RFPL in 2013 as a Teen Services Associate. Historical fiction and women’s fiction are two of her favorite genres, although she admits to enjoying a good romance novel from time to time.
Dorothy enjoys suggesting books, audiobooks, and film titles to our patrons. She herself is a fan of mysteries, thrillers, family sagas, coming-of-age stories, and biographies of individuals who have overcome challenges. Dorothy is also a digital library guru! She is always ready to help patrons download eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music and more from our vast digital collection. Dorothy attended Cornell University before earning her Master of Library Services at the School of Information Library Science at Rutgers University. She has been with RFPL since 2005.
Beth manages and maintains the middle school and teen collections, plans and delivers an exciting selection of programs, and provides reader’s advisory and reference services to teens and middle schoolers. In addition, Beth maintains the Library’s website. A crafter extraordinaire and music lover, Beth shares these passions in many of her programs. Beth has a Music Education Degree from Alma College and received her MLIS from Dominican University. Her favorite genres are mystery and fantasy books.
Meghan joined the library in 2016 and provides reference, readers advisory, and technology-related assistance to our patrons. In addition, she creates book displays, bookmarks, handouts and other materials as needed. Meghan also manages the large print collection and helps administer our summer reading program. She enjoys all types of books but one of her favorite genres is thrillers. Meghan is currently finishing her BA in History at Dominican University, and will begin her MLIS studies there in the fall.
C.J. joined us in September 2017 as our Connections Program Associate. In this position, C.J. creates and facilitates fun, exciting after school programming for our Middle School population, including crafting, maker-related activities, gaming, and movies. C.J. is passionate about animals, photography, and libraries! She started working in libraries after graduating with her BFA in Photography. What she likes most about libraries are the opportunities and accessibility that they give to communities. Ask C.J. for recommendations on graphic novels, memoirs and audio books.
Sarah joined the Library in April of 2018. She graduated from Dominican University in 2017 with a Masters of Library and Information Science. Sarah supports the adult and teen services department by providing reference, readers’ advisory, and technology assistance to patrons. She also maintains and develops our digital collection. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Benson, playing board games and Dungeons and Dragons.
Amy oversees the Children’s Services Department’s collections, programs, and staff. She has spent most of her life working with kids as a camp counselor, tutor, babysitter, and teacher before becoming a children’s librarian. At work, she likes to read silly stories out loud and try to make people laugh, and has been known to start spontaneous dance parties during library programs. Amy has a Masters of Library and Information Science from Dominican University and a B.S. in Education from Loyola University Chicago. Her favorite books feature smart kids who work together to solve problems. Prior to joining our team in February 2014, Amy worked at the Hinsdale Public Library. Some of Amy’s favorite authors include Mo Willems, Laura Numeroff, Eric Carle, John Green, and Jane Austen.
Melissa’s job is to help children and their families use the library. Much of her time is spent planning and presenting children’s library programs including Toddler Time and Pajama Story Time. She purchases juvenile non-fiction books and loves to help kids find books for their homework assignments. Melissa is also RFPL’s elementary school liaison and many local students recognize her as the librarian “who came to my school!” Melissa has a Masters of Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She loves to read children’s fantasy novels, particularly those about magical children learning to use their powers. When she finds time to read grown-up books, Melissa prefers memoirs and novels with LGBT protagonists.
Sharing picture books and songs during Mother Goose Storytime and finding just the right book for a beginning reader are some of Kim’s many contributions to the Children’s Department. Kim joined the Library in 2007. In her previous lives, Kim had been a writer, editor, High School English teacher, and a full-time mom. She brings these experiences to the Children’s Department, where she shares her love of children and the written word. Little Women and the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder were her absolute favorites as a child. She still rereads these books often.
Yadira joined the Children’s Department in June 2017. She has a BA in History from Lewis University. Her love for libraries led her to start working in them almost 2 years ago. Yadira says she “loves that libraries provide a safe space for community members and a massive amount of educational and recreational materials that are shared by all.” In her spare time, Yadira likes to take care of her plants, cook, do arts and crafts, visit coffee houses, find the best veggie food in the city, listen to music, hang out with friends, and of course, read. Her favorite genre is Contemporary Literature.
Nora joined the Children’s Department in June 2017. She runs our monthly LEGO club and is responsible for ordering our Juvenile Series Books. She has a BA in Art with a concentration in photography. In addition to her job here, Nora also teaches yoga, works as a photographer, and as a library assistant at the Oak Park Library. Even with this busy schedule, she finds time for biking, hiking and spending time with family and friends. Nora loves children’s books of course but also enjoys biographies, memoirs and books about health and wellness.
Victoria is responsible for managing circulation operations on a daily basis, handling magazine and newspaper subscriptions, and overseeing the use of the meeting room. Victoria has been with RFPL since 2006, when she started as a page, and held several positions after that. Victoria has a BA in Physical Education from DePaul and loves to exercise when she has spare time. Victoria’s favorite genres are psychological thrillers and post-apocalyptic books.
Lisa wears many hats at the Library. You will often see her at the circulation desk welcoming and helping patrons. In technical services, she is responsible for processing all of our new materials. Lisa’s efforts bring you the latest and greatest in books, DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks. In addition to enjoying classic films and musicals, Lisa likes reading books that champion the human spirit. Some of her favorites include The Book Thief, The Folded Earth, and Madame Bovary. She is also “:crazy in love” with Hamilton, both the music and the bestseller that is about the making of the musical.
Barb has been with the library since 2011 and is responsible for returning our library materials to the shelves. Her organizational skills help us to keep our shelves neat and tidy. Looking for a great movie recommendation? Ask Barb! She’s a movie buff.
Shekinah joined us in August 2017 and provides library services at the circulation desk. Shekinah is currently pursuing her MLIS at Dominican University, although she already holds a Masters in Communication. When she’s not working, studying or taking care of her family, Shekinah does enjoy YouTube videos about all kinds of topics ranging from food, fashion, travel, lifestyle, and the vlogs. She enjoys reading all kinds of books on different topics but is especially fond of science fiction. She is also very interested in metaphysical and spiritual topics. She loves that libraries provide everyone the opportunity to broaden perspectives and come together to share and learn.
Ashlee joined the Library in March 2018 and is responsible for providing library services at the circulation desk. She also helps patrons search for and place holds on materials, and issues or renews library cards. Ashlee recently spent a year sailing and teaching on tall ships, and is in an online MLS program through UW Madison. When not working or studying, Ashlee also volunteers at a yoga studio and urban farming center, and enjoys dabbling in all sorts of crafts.
Beronica joined the us in October 2017 and is responsible for providing library services at the circulation desk. She also helps patrons search for and place holds on materials, and issues or renews library cards. Currently in her fifth semester of graduate school at Dominican University, Beronica is excited to be gaining more experience for her library career. When not working or studying, Beronica enjoys sewing, reading, watching films, cleaning, and (most importantly) going to Stan’s Donuts! Her favorite genres are non-fiction and horror.
Cathy joined the Library in April 2018. She brings her love of organization to her work by keeping library materials organized and neat. After having lived in Maryland, Colorado, Germany, Massachusetts, and California, she moved to River Forest 20 years ago. She has a background in marketing. In her free time, Cathy loves to spend time with her family, travel, paint, take photographs, garden, read and see live music.
Dawn joined us in October 2017 and is responsible for providing library services at the circulation desk. Her educational background is in graphic design, photography, architecture, and education. “Every day is a beautiful day, there is no bad weather, only bad clothing!“ is Dawn’s mantra. She loves the outdoors; kayaking, skiing, biking, walking, gardening, all around exploring and people watching. “Libraries are ageless and serve the entire community,” are some of the many reasons she loves them. Dawn’s favorite genres include non-fiction and audiobooks, which inspired her family’s road trip book clubs.
Susie has worked at the Library for over 20 years and has been part of the River Forest community since 1977. She assists patrons with obtaining library cards, checking out materials and learning more about library programs and services. Her tenure and experience greatly enrich our staff and enhance our service to the community.
