Library General Contacts & Management
Main Desk: [email protected] | 630 869 6160
Adult Services: [email protected] | 630 869 6155
Youth & Teen Services: [email protected] | 630 869 6165
Julia Coen
Library Director
[email protected] | 630 869 6170
“Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right.”
― Jerry Garcia, Grateful Dead
Julia is extremely passionate about making a difference in people’s lives through her work which makes working at the Westmont Public Library a perfect fit. Julia loves to come to work at WPL every day and she also loves to travel. When she is not doing one of those two things she’s probably reading about travelling, on a run with her dog, or eating peanut butter by the spoonful.
Colleen Seisser
Assistant Director
[email protected] | 630 869 6171
“Each morning, we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.”
― Buddha
Colleen embraces all that libraries have to offer and loves to tell anyone who will listen about library services. As great equalizers, libraries can empower their communities, and Colleen’s favorite part about working in libraries is seeing the library’s impact both large and small. In her free time Colleen is a crafter and loves to find new ways to make things and tinker. She also loves gardening and discovering new ways to grow and propagate plants.
Natalie DeJonghe
Manager of Adult Services
[email protected] | 630 869 6155
“Exit, pursued by bear.”
― The Winter’s Tale, Shakespeare
Libraries have the potential to be a central pillar of communities. It’s wonderful to be able to assist people with their questions, provide resources and a space to work, and create access to a variety of materials. I love being able to do a little bit of everything: working with patrons, exploring new technologies, and keeping up with all the latest releases.
When I’m not working I’m typically building my latest Lego set, playing video games, carrying my cat around like a sack of potatoes, or trying out a new baking recipe.
Kristi Miller
Manager of Youth & Teen Services
[email protected] | 630 869 6165
“You are braver than you believe and stronger and smarter than you think.”
― Winnie the Pooh, A. A. Milne
Kristi is passionate about serving youth and families, and has been fortunate to work in public libraries for her entire career. Her favorite part of her work at the library is talking with kids and teens about their interests and connecting them with just the right books and services. Kristi is an avid sports fan who loves spending time outdoors (especially around water), visiting family and friends, traveling, and reading (preferably with a cat on her lap).
Marcy Biala
Manager of Patron & Materials Services
[email protected] | 630 869 6157
Marcy finds working at the Library to be incredibly rewarding. She loves assisting patrons with whatever needs bring them to the Library. The environment is dynamic and stimulating, and she is always learning! Marcy enjoys reading (of course!), traveling, knitting (not proficiently), visiting our amazing national parks (Zion is a favorite!), and volunteering in the community.
Michelle Mahlan
Administrative Assistant
[email protected] | 630 869 6169
“Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”
― Dead Poets Society
Michelle has always loved books and helping people, so it’s fitting that she landed an administrative role at the Library. Michelle enjoys working with staff across all departments to assist with supply ordering, invoice processing, and facility management. In the spirit of carpe diem, Michelle is currently pursuing her culinary arts degree and fulfilling her life-long dream of becoming a professional chef.
When not working or going to school, Michelle enjoys gardening, photography, cooking, and spending time with her family and dog.
Adult Services
Our Adult Services librarians are here to help you find reliable information and research resources, recommend books and other materials, and provide tech assistance.
Email: [email protected]estmontlibrary.org | Phone: 630 869 6155
One-on-one appointments: Book a Librarian | Personalized recommendations: Personal Book Recs
Sara Angel
Adult Librarian
“Having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card.”
― Arthur Reed
Being a librarian combines the attentiveness of being a detective with the patience of a teacher, the compassion of a therapist, and the imagination of a storyteller. I love learning something new every day.
Belle is my favorite Disney Princess and a big reason why I decided to become a librarian. We share a love of books, being our own person, and teacups.
Alex Carlson
Collection Development Specialist
“Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.”
― Minor Myers Jr.
Born in Illinois but educated in Hawaii, Alex worked in academic and school libraries before finding his true niche in public libraries. Alex looks forward to working with every patron that walks through the library’s doors and always approaches situations with a positive mind. Alex’s biggest passion is helping patrons understand and embrace new and exciting technologies. When he isn’t busy at work helping patrons with 3D prints or finding their new favorite book, Alex likes to read science fiction, play video games, and learn about craft beer.
Kimberly Tuskey
Adult Librarian
“We read to know we are not alone.”
― C. S. Lewis
Libraries have always been Kimberly’s favorite place. The wonder and joy she experienced in libraries as a child has carried through to today, and she loves sharing that with others—especially when it involves helping patrons become confident technology users or find their next great read.
Kimberly’s other passions are animals and being outside—and so, naturally, being outside with animals. When she is not at work, she is usually out walking her dog, hiking, or rollerblading.
If she could climb a mountain every day, she would!
Youth & Teen Services
Our Youth & Teen Services librarians provide services to young patrons, from babies to teens, as well as their caregivers, teachers, and families. Librarians recommend materials, help you access information and library services, and create programming from storytimes to STEAM.
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 630 869 6165
Personalized recommendations: Personal Book Recs | Teen volunteering
Sarah Alvin
Assistant Youth Librarian
“Libraries should be like a pair of open arms.”
— Roger Rosenblatt
Sarah loves supporting children and families as they grow in their quests, curiosities, and creative endeavors. She encourages children to check out as many books as possible, make something every day, and to always ask their questions. She can often be found nestled in a pile of children’s books, snipping colorful bits and baubles, or staring up at tall trees with her family.
Heidi Engel
Assistant Youth Librarian
Libraries are a door to knowledge. My favorite part of my job is helping our youngest visitors enjoy all that the Library has to offer and to develop a love of learning. We will always have more to learn in life, and I believe we should enjoy that. As for me, I also love to be in nature hiking and camping and prefer life with a pet or two or three.
Alyssa Johnson
Teen Librarian
“Ah coffee. The sweet balm by which we shall accomplish today’s tasks.”
— Ironside, Holly Black
I love making connections with people, especially when it involves gushing over a great book. My favorite thing about my job is being able to inform people about all the programs and resources that libraries have to offer. My favorite phrase to use while working is, “Yes you can do this! Let me show you how.”
My goofy fact is: I never grew out of my Twilight phase; I mostly blame it on Kristen Stewart.
Adrian Litwin
Assistant Youth Librarian
“A person’s a person no matter how small.”
— Dr. Seuss
Cherished memories of a childhood filled with books inspire Adrian to share her love of reading with the youngest library patrons. Seeing children and their adults connect through books and storytime brings her great joy.
When not reading, Adrian enjoys spending time in nature, practicing yoga, visiting flea markets, and especially spending time with family.
Sarah Jane Nordan
Youth Librarian
My love of reading, learning, and helping others led me down the path toward librarianship. I enjoy coming to work every day and being surrounded by books. My favorite part of working in a public library is the people! I love creating art, gardening, camping, and feeding the birds in my backyard.
Marketing & Outreach
Marketing and Outreach help keep Westmont informed about Library news and services and work with other people and organizations in our community to form partnerships and bring collections and services to users outside the Library building.
Marketing: [email protected]
Outreach: [email protected]
Adult volunteering: Information & Application
Carmen Higgins
Outreach Coordinator
[email protected] | 630 869 6158
“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.”
― Groucho Marx
Carmen loves working with and helping people and really enjoys telling people about all the great materials, resources, and services we provide at the library. She enjoys long walks in the woods, cooking delicious vegan dishes, and hitting the gym. Carmen also really loves her dog and thinks everyone else should too!
Kerry Barnett
Graphic Design Associate
Kerry enjoys talking up the wonders of libraries, design, and getting the scoop on the cutest new picture books. Outside of the library, she can be found 3D printing, perusing estate sales, and kissing cats on their little, furry heads.
Aaron Hawkins
Marketing Associate
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
― Benjamin Franklin
My favorite thing about working in marketing at a library is that my job is to make sure everyone knows about all the amazing things we have to offer! And there’s so much!
I drink A LOT of coffee. People think I’m a connoisseur. But honestly, I dislike the taste. I only drink it for the caffeine.