Our Librarians

Elysia is a self-proclaimed yarn collector with dreams of one day actually knitting something. She’s also an avid reader and audiobook listener, diving into everything from cookbooks to thrillers. Until recently, she led a double life as both a classical harpist and a line cook, because – much like a good library – variety is everything. These days, she shares her world with Dewey, her lovable Newfoundland dog.

Esther is a native Darienite and a sophomore at Darien High School. She's had a passion for reading since a young age, being an avid patron of Darien Library for over a decade. Her favorite genres are realistic fiction, historical fiction, and the occasional cheesy romance. Outside of the Library she is a passionate student involved in a variety of clubs, with a love for summer weather, nature, baking, as well as any and every dog. 

Maddie is a Darien High School senior involved in many activities in and out of school. She is a cheerleader and part of a crocheting club at school. In her free time, she does gardening in her family's backyard where they grow various fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Jo is a retired middle school teacher who is trading YA literature for historical fiction and novels. She enjoys biking, baking, long walks, and discovering new places.

Madison was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, before moving to New York to study literature and creative writing at Barnard. These days, she and her dog, Finley, spend their time in Connecticut exploring the local beaches and hiking trails. She enjoys reading classic literature, especially gothic or psychological novels, memoirs of feminist icons, and The New Yorker. Aside from books, she loves art museums, indie films, and photography.

Merryn is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in creative writing and English at Goucher College, and she hopes to be a published author one day. She loves reading queer literature, fantasy, romance, and non-fiction. When she is not reading, she is either watching movies, anime, or playing video games!

MJ is a literary fiction writer, retired attorney, and active genealogist (proud of Neanderthal ancestry). His broad educational background includes degrees from Schiller International University, Weber State University, and New York Law School. Culinary interests feature schnitzel, chicken curry, borsch (potato not cabbage), and rhubarb — but not all together. He enjoys good science fiction video and mystery writing but is unpredictably selective.

Growing up visiting her local library helped Alice develop a love for reading, and today she can usually be found absorbed in a mystery, a family saga, or any other novel with a dynamic cast of characters. Outside of the Library, she enjoys cooking, throwing pottery, and playing games with friends and family.

Simon is a lover of all things non-fiction; if it exists, they’ve probably read the book about it! When not in a library, Simon is usually found curled up with their cat Marvin watching "Call the Midwife" or the Philadelphia Eagles (GO BIRDS!).

Emma is a Mitchell College graduate who loves fantasy and fairy tale books, friends, and family above all else and aspires to be an author one day. When her nose is not stuck in a book, she likes to write reviews on Goodreads, take walks, and spend time with the ones she loves. 

A longtime lover of fantasy, fairy tales, and Disney.

Liz is currently getting her library science degree, but when she isn't studying or doing homework, she can be found at the Library looking for anything to do with feminism, horror, or folklore. She can talk your ear off about pop singers, fashion, and whatever movie she last saw in the theater. Catch her at the right time and she might give you a book from her constantly growing collection.