Due to a rise in COVID cases, masks are required when visiting the Library building.
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
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
Elisabeth Gattullo Marrocolla
Assistant Director, Public ServicesElisabeth is an avid sci-fi and fantasy reader who was convinced her invitation to Hogwarts got lost in the mail.
(203) 669-5263
Caroline Mandler Lopez
Assistant Director, 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
Kiera Parrott
DirectorKiera is a lifelong learner and true believer in the transformational power of the public library. She enjoys reading twisty psychological thrillers and works of social science and history, watching Jeopardy, and listening to Hall & Oates.
(203) 669-5224
Adult Programming and Community Engagement
Amanda DeMaio
Adult ProgrammerAmanda loves reading about far away adventures, crafting, and always makes time for a coming of age novel. If you are ever putting together a cheese plate or are looking for an electric kazoo performance, Amanda to the rescue!
(203) 669-5226
Jane Frazier
Adult Programming LibrarianJane 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
Joanne Gabriel
Adult ProgrammerJoanne grew up in Darien, and currently lives here with her husband, two teenaged sons, and dog, Jett. She is into cooking, native gardening, and horticultural therapy.
(203) 669-5264
Kathleen Millard
Adult Author ProgrammingKathleen is a fiction reader with a sprinkling of nonfiction and thrillers. She is focused on author events and always interested in connecting amazing writers with an audience of readers. The best author events enrich your life and pique your curiosity. Fine arts, travel and wellness round out her days.
(203) 669-5237
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
Head of Adult ProgrammingPat is not only an insatiable reader and huge Anglophile, she loves to travel and do needlework. Ask Pat where she is going next! She’ll be happy to tell you!
(203) 669-5246
Building
Matthew Lucero
CustodianHe graduated from the CIA in 1993 and learned a lot of secrets from others before working in the culinary field for 22 years. He was an executive chef, chef manager, catering chef, pastry chef, and part-owner of an Italian deli for three years. He went to Germany and England to participate in food competitions where he won medals for his culinary skills. For over 20 years, he's been a fireman with Darien and Rowayton Fire Departments. He also trains dogs. His German Shepherd Cabo is in training to compete with him in the sport of Schutzhund.
(203) 669-5255
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
Knowledge and Learning Services
Maria Banke
Technology AssistantMaria joined the Help Desk team after several decades 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
Sarah Faeth
Knowledge and Learning AssistantSarah has been told she has "printed matter disease" because she can't help but read any book that comes her way. She especially enjoys memoirs, social science, new fiction, and anything Buddhist. When she's not in the middle of a book, Sarah can be found hanging out with her cat, making jewelry, working on her meditation practice, or perfecting playlists of the grunge and rock songs she loved in high school.
(203) 669-5236
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) 669-5236
Craig Maguire
Technology AssistantCraig is currently in college pursuing a double major in Computer Science and Film Production. He is passionate about stories and the different ways they can be told. Craig also loves to travel, having a desire to see and experience as many new and interesting things as he can.
(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
Brittany Netherton
Head of Knowledge and Learning ServicesBrittany 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 O'Brien
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) 669-5236
Kristen Orth
Knowledge and Learning Services LibrarianKristen is a born-and-raised Midwesterner with a love for making things and science fiction. Outside of the Library, she can be found working on overly ambitious craft projects and pretending she's good at trivia.
(203) 669-5229
Caitlin Stote
Knowledge and Learning AssistantCaitlin has been working seasonly at the Library for ten years. The Library is her sanctuary.
(203) 669-5236
Colleen Wood
Knowledge and Learning Services LibrarianColleen loves learning about people and places and hence has a particular interest in historical fiction. She's fascinated by the world around her and tries to spend as much time as possible outdoors. Her favorite hobbies are running with friends, working in the garden, and spending time with her husband, their dog, and grown-up children.
(203) 669-5234
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 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
Jo 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
Abby Sesselberg
Collection Development CoordinatorAbby 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
Inger Vilter
Materials Management ShelverInger lives in Darien with her husband and has three grown kids. She loves to read, going to the beach, and watching baseball!
(203) 669-5264
Eden Wright
Materials Management ShelverEden is an avid reader. Her favorite genres are memoirs, classics, and new fiction. She also enjoys Shakespeare.
(203) 669-5264
Readers' Advisory Services
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. 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
Barbara Monin
Reader AdvisorBarbara is a Francophile and reader of all things. Ask her what she has loved lately!
(203) 669-5249
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 and Technology
Karyn Alfini
Senior Technology AssistantKaryn 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
Amanda L. Goodman
Head of UX and TechnologyAmanda is a librarian who loves mountains, genealogy, and fandom. She wants to travel the world—after she finishes this story.
(203) 669-5258
Kristen Hinz
Library MarketerKristen is a poetry lover, iced coffee sipper, and amateur photographer. As a former English major, Early American literature, Gothic novels, and magical realist fiction hold special places in her heart. When she isn't in the library or nestled into a book, you can find her exploring the woods, attending a hockey game (go Habs go!), or playing video games.
(203) 669-5240
Youth Services
Samantha Cardone
Children's 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
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
Kate Frick
Children's Collection Development CoordinatorKate is a big believer in the power of words, whether read, sung, or spoken. When not in the library, Kate can be found either immersed in a book while cuddling with cats or singing and dancing around the apartment.
(203) 669-5242
Krishna Grady
Head of Youth ServicesRaised by books, the child of a librarian was destined to end up in the stacks. She loves a good musical and can often be found singing in the Library. Her favorite books to read are fantasy and romance. She loves a nice cardigan and a cat. She has a slight obsession with K-dramas. Ask her what drama she is currently watching.
(203) 669-5254
María E. Magallanes
Children's Library AssistantMaría 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
José Maria Magallanes
Children's Library AssistantA lover for the intricacies that come with writing songs and books, José Maria is a proud member of the Darien Library staff since 2017. He can most often be found in the Children’s Library making crafts and helping out, but occasionally you’ll see him at the Welcome Desk assisting patrons with a smile. He loves creating music for most of the day at home, while in his spare time you’ll find him in a stack of his favorite type of books: detective mysteries and rom-coms. His hobbies include diving deep into the world of music audio, exploring new places for fun activities, and is currently in the midst of writing a memoir he is planning on completing by the end of the year.
(203) 669-5235
Mia Orobona
Assistant Head of Teen ServicesMia 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
Angela Perez
McGraw Family Children’s LibrarianAngela incorporates music and art in as many of her Library programs as possible. When she’s not test-driving creative tech tools for kids, you will likely find her record hunting, exploring the city with her camera, or speeding through another novel.
(203) 669-5241
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
Erika Walston
Early Literacy and Outreach CoordinatorErika likes bringing the library outdoors and inspiring a love of nature in others. In her free time, she enjoys watching British mysteries, baking, or learning a new craft.
(203) 669-5243