The Darien Library family is truly special.
Because of our staff, Darien Library maintains a world-class reputation for excellence in customer service and innovation.
Administration
John Blyberg
Assistant DirectorJohn is a library geek. He enjoys reading pretty much anything but has a soft spot for John Irving, Geraldine Brooks, and, of course, Tolkien. In his spare time, he likes to hang out with his family and his gimpy dachshund.
(203) 669-5222
Reed Collyer
BookkeeperReed keeps the bills paid and the books balanced. In her spare time, she is a runner, reader and mom to three fantastic kids and two rescue dogs. Some of her favorite authors are Zora Neale Hurston and Wally Lamb.
(203) 669-5253
Alan Kirk Gray
DirectorAlan reads a lot of naval history and fiction and is always trying to get us to go play softball. Hasn't happened yet, probably never will.
(203) 669-5224
Caroline Lopez
Head of OperationsCaroline has twin boys, is a frequent story-time attendee, and coffee-drinker.
(203) 669-5231
Cathy McLachlan
Administrative AssistantCathy makes it happen.
(203) 669-5220
Adult Collection Development
Jen Dayton
Collection Development CoordinatorJen is our Collection Development Coordinator, new fiction buyer and lover of all things book. Ask her what book she is passionate about this week!
(203) 669-5226
Adult Programming and Community Engagement
Mallory Arents
Head of Adult ProgrammingMallory got in to the library biz not because she loves books, not because she loves information, but because she loves people. She's also really into KPOP, vegan eats, and cephalopods.
(203) 669-5254
Jane Frazier
Program SpecialistJane Frazier is our Hostess with the Mostess, resident Francophile, and Michigan sports fanatic. When she’s not welcoming you to one of our library programs, you can find her swimming laps at the YMCA or baking her famous chocolate chip cookies.
(203) 669-5239
Amanda L. Goodman
Publicity ManagerAmanda is a librarian who loves mountains, genealogy, and fandom. She wants to travel the world — just after she finishes this story.
(203) 669-5258
Marianne Paterniti
Book Group CoordinatorMarianne is a book group's best friend. Ask her what she recommends for a lively discussion!
(203) 669-5251
Pat Sheary
Programming LibrarianPat is not only a insatiable reader and huge Anglophile, she is a gourmet cook and loves doing needlework. Ask Pat what’s cooking! She’ll be happy to tell you!
(203) 669-5246
Susie Skerrett
Film LibrarianSusie is a Master Gardener and an instructor on the art of selling on eBay. Susie is frequently found assisting with our Friday Night Films, is an avid movie watcher, and currently oversees purchases in our DVD collection. While she is quite eclectic in what she reads, she never passes up a good romance novel! She holds a Bachelors degree in Human Services with a minor in Women's Studies from the University of Connecticut. Susie is also a notary.
(203) 669-5227
Children and Teen Services
Lorena Balne
Children's Library AssistantMiss Lorena currently teaches at Five Mile. Prior to that she launched two highly successful local businesses catering to preschool children. Miss Lorena was also a co-founder and owner of Green Moon Children’s Art Studio.
(203) 669-5235
Samantha Cardone
Children's Library Program CoordinatorSamantha is a strong believer that every art project needs more glitter. She loves working as a children’s librarian because it involves lots of improvisation, books, and imagination! She enjoys epic fantasy series, middle grade fiction, and Jane Austen. When not burrowing into a good book, Samantha likes visiting historical sites, writing, and trying new food in the city.
(203) 669-5245
Liz Connell
Children's Library AssistantElizabeth has a MA in Library and Information Sciences from the Pratt Institute. Her favorite children's book is Little House in the Big Woods. In her free time she enjoys needlepoint and the novels of PG Wodehouse.
(203) 669-5235
Eileen D'Andrea
Children's Library AssistantEileen loves to connect kids with that one perfect book... the book that will make them a reader. She is a school librarian when she's not in the Children's Library and when she reads books for grown-ups, she prefers historical fiction.
(203) 669-5235
Elisabeth Gattullo Marrocolla
Head of Children and Teen ServicesElisabeth is an avid sci-fi and fantasy reader who was convinced her invitation to Hogwarts got lost in the mail.
(203) 669-5263
Maria E. Magallanes
Children's Library AssistantMaria is an art lover who loves to paint, whether it’s on a canvas or accidently on her clothes. When she’s not painting, she’s most likely spending time with her three pet dogs and fish. She incorporates art and music into her class Libros y Cuentos, along with some stuffed animals as she has three pet dogs and a fish. If you ever feel like practicing or learning some Spanish, feel free to come and say ‘Hola’ to her.
(203) 669-5235
Marian McLeod
Children's Library AssistantMarian was destined to be a librarian. She was born and raised in Hawaii and is a big fan of funny kids books, running, cross-stitching, and traveling abroad.
(203) 669-5235
Tori Ogawa
Children's Librarian, Harold W. McGraw Jr. FellowTori loves working with children and reading books, so becoming a children's librarian is her dream come true. She is from Hawaii and enjoys hiking and going to the beach. If she's not outside, you can find her baking, watching movies, or planning her next trip overseas.
(203) 669-5243
Mia Orobona
Teen Services LibrarianMia is our resident teen wrangler. When she is not at the Library, she spends a lot of her time on Tumblr, going on Target runs, and of course, reading books. She’s open to reading anything, but is most fond of YA realistic fiction and graphic novels with strong female characters.
(203) 669-5225
Veronica Ponce
Children's Library AssistantYou may know Veronica from her Organized Playgroups in town. She has a M.S. in Early Childhood Education and believes every child is gifted and ready to learn!
(203) 669-5235
Baily Ring
Children's Librarian, Early Literacy and Outreach CoordinatorExploring the Library is one of Baily’s favorite adventures. There are endless stories just waiting to be discovered among the shelves! When she’s not navigating the Children’s Library you can find her outdoors, at a local history site, or, not surprisingly, reading a book.
(203) 669-5237
Samarpana Tamm
Children's Library AssistantSamarpana is a former Montessori teacher and one of our Early Childhood Specialists. She conducts Giggles & Rhymes and can help anyone navigate our Picture Book collection!
(203) 669-5235
Anna Taylor
Assistant Head of the Children's Library, Collection Development CoordinatorAnna grew up in the theatre but was raised by books. She enjoys discovering new places in the city, all things cats, and hot sauce. Come and chat fantasy books and graphic novels with her!
(203) 669-5241
Knowledge and Learning Services
Kaitlin Ciarmiello
Knowledge and Learning AssistantKaitlin received a B.A. in Art History from Connecticut College, where she also played her cello in the orchestra and other ensembles. In her spare time, this Conn College Camel loves reading young adult literature and brushing up on her Italian!
(203) 669-5229
Kathleen Fieffe
Knowledge and Learning AssistantKathleen loves documentaries, letterpress stationery and letter writing; doughnuts and ALL food. She also listens to public radio programming and podcasts. Ask her what she's listening to now!
(203) 669-5229
Sally Ijams
Head of Knowledge and Learning ServicesSally is a huge fan of audiobooks. The queen of multitasking, she can usually be found knitting, gardening or cooking, all while listening to books. Her reading tastes are eclectic, but she is especially fond of all things Austen.
(203) 669-5229
Kim Kunces
Knowledge and Learning AssistantKim studied Communications. She loves to play tennis, run, and travel. She enjoys reading non-fiction books and Time Magazine. Ask her about wilderness travel and readings!
(203) 669-5229
Brittany Netherton
Knowledge and Learning Services LibrarianBrittany loves the thrill of tracking down the answers to challenging questions. She is in a perpetual state of wanderlust and believes wholeheartedly in the healing power of a good laugh. In her spare time, she’s probably backpacking, cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats, or cleaning a stream.
(203) 669-5261
Ali Sena
Knowledge and Learning AssistantAli loves science, science fiction, and art. She has far too many hobbies, and is happy to discuss gardening, cooking, any kind of art and craft, or the correct way to hem a pair of pants. Her favorite book series is Frank Herbert's Dune, but Ray Bradbury, Larry Niven, and Neil Gaiman also hold a special place in her heart.
(203) 669-5229
Materials Management
Tina Bothe
Materials ManagementTina is an excellent cook and baking is her specialty. Ask her about the cookbooks!
(203) 669-5244
Lois Calka
Head of Facilities and Materials ManagementLois keeps all the cogs turning.
(203) 669-5252
Cathy Condren
Materials Management ShelverCathy is a retired lawyer with two grown children and she lives in Darien with her husband, dog and cat. She enjoys reading literary fiction, memoirs, legal thrillers, detective mysteries and cookbooks. She also loves spending time with people she loves, bird-watching, animals, volunteering, and road trips.
(203) 669-5264
Rose Curtin
Materials Management ShelverRose is mom to two grown daughters, Melissa and Cindy. She is a marathon runner and plays tennis and paddle tennis. She is also a talented seamstress and creates specialty gifts to sell at holiday and craft fairs. Rose also loves to cook and read historical fiction.
(203) 669-5264
Marilyn Giannos
Materials Management ShelverMarilyn loves reading the Sunday NY Times as well as historical fiction and memoirs. She also enjoys volunteer work, tennis, golf and bridge.
(203) 669-5264
Josephine Gleeson
Materials Management ShelverJo 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.
(203) 669-5264
Larissa Golbat
Materials Management ShelverLarissa enjoys hardcore concerts and running.
(203) 669-5264
Victor Pensiero
Building EngineerVic keeps our library building in shape. As the former Chief Plumber for the Darien school district and current Chief of the Darien Fire Department, Vic is always ready to serve.
(203) 669-5255
Beth Seeman
Materials Management ShelverBeth lives in Darien with her husband and three daughters. She enjoys reading historical fiction, playing tennis, scrapbooking, and baking.
Caitlin Stote
Materials Management ShelverCaitlin has been working seasonly at the Library for ten years. The Library is her sanctuary.
(203) 669-5264
Valerie Streuli
Materials Management ShelverValerie is a retired middle school drama coach, music teacher, and choral director. She has two grown daughters as well as a grown husband. Valerie enjoys hiking and camping, singing in a gospel choir, and taming her garden.
(203) 669-5264
Pam Whitaker
Materials Management ShelverPam lives in Darien with her husband, two daughters and their English Springer Spaniel. She like to stay fit by spinning, doing yoga and walking her dog. She enjoys reading Historical Fiction and books about cooking and decorating.
(203) 669-5264
Karen Yostpille
Materials Management ShelverKaren loves to read popular fiction, although her book group and co-workers are encouraging her to branch out into other genres. She also enjoys volunteering, playing golf, baking and spending time with her family.
(203) 669-5264
Readers' Advisory Services
Jeanne Altman
Reader AdvisorJeanne is an enthusiastic reader of fiction, adult and YA, and the occasional memoir. She loves audiobooks and cooking.
(203) 669-5239
Barbara "Babs" Blake
Reader AdvisorBarbara is one of our film buffs. Ask her what movies she's seen lately!
(203) 669-5239
Virginia Grubbs
Assistant Head of Reader ServicesVirginia's favorite genres include thrillers and suspense, mysteries, general fiction, chick-lit and young adult books featuring a dystopian society. Aside from books, she also loves movies and suspenseful TV series. She's a proud Texan enjoying life in Connecticut.
(203) 669-5232
Jill Maguire
Reader AdvisorJill loves reading and watching movies, but not at the same time. Callie, her therapy dog (who works with Jill to promote recovery through animal assisted therapy services), agrees that the movie version is never quite as good as the book. Jill belongs to a variety of book groups. Her husband and 4 grown children add hustle to the bustle, and she loves every minute of it.
(203) 669-5239
Ann McCarty
Reader AdvisorAnn loves reading, especially popular fiction. Ask her what she is wild about this week!
(203) 669-5239
Nevine Michaels
Reader AdvisorNevine loves international literature and foreign films. She also likes to experiment with different cuisines in her free time.
(203) 669-5221
Barbara Monin
Reader AdvisorBarbara is a Francophile and reader of all things. Ask her what she has loved lately!
(203) 669-5249
Abby Sesselberg
Reader AdvisorAbby reads a wide range of books with an emphasis on genre mysteries, series, and thrillers. She also enjoys biographies, memoirs, and books about chefs.
(203) 669-5228
Pat Tone
Head of Reader ServicesPat is a dog lover and haunter of book shops everywhere. Ask her about the best in books on cd or playaways.
(203) 669-5248
User Experience
Karyn Alfini
Senior Technology AssistantKaryn is a recent college graduate with a degree in education and history. She is a firm believer in starting off every morning with a cup of coffee. When not at the library, Karyn enjoys spending time with friends and family, seeing her favorite bands in concert and exploring new places.
(203) 669-5223
Maria Banke
Technology AssistantMaria joined the Help Desk team after a successful career as an IT professional in the financial industry. A long-time Darien resident, Maria spends her spare time volunteering for local organizations, sharing her wealth of IT knowledge!
(203) 669-5238
Sheba Mathai
Technology AssistantWhen Sheba is not studying biology and human anatomy, she enjoys investing her time in guiding young students toward academic and social success. Sheba loves serving people whenever she can, so please do not hesitate to ask her for any assistance!
(203) 669-5238
James McNutt
Head of User ExperienceJames has a suspicion that he might like the words in books more than books themselves. So when he reads, he tends to prefer books written by linguists because they understand that words themselves can tell stories—stories full of… characters. James also likes puns. Word.
(203) 669-5256
Edward Schildnecht
Technology AssistantEdward is passionate about all things science and technology. He is currently attending Norwalk Community College, and when he is not studying you can find him playing the guitar, reading about the latest scientific studies, or at his desktop computer captivated by the latest video games.
eschildnecht@darienlibrary.org
(203) 669-5238