Today's Hours: 9 am – 8 pm

Visiting the Library

Library management team & staff

For general department contacts, please see our Contact us page.

Photo of Director Julia Coen

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.

Assistant Director Colleen Seisser standing in front of the fiction section

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.

Manager of Adult Services Natalie DeJonghe

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. 

Natalie’s Book Recs

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).

Kristi’s Book Recs

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: reference@westmontlibrary.org | Phone: 630 869 6155

One-on-one appointments: Book a Librarian | Personalized recommendations: Personal Book Recs

Sara Angel

Adult Librarian

[email protected]

“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.

Sara’s Book Recs

Photo of Librarian Alex

Alex Carlson

Collection Development Specialist

[email protected]

“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.

Alex’s Book Recs

Assistant librarian Stephanie Larkins

Stephanie Larkins

Assistant Adult Librarian

[email protected]

Libraries are more than just books; they are a place for the community to come together.

Stephanie loves to read just about any genre and enjoys a good, kick-butt female protagonist.  She also likes relaxing with a good British sitcom.  

When not working, she can be found with her family or her cats, or at a cat show.

Adult Librarian Kimberly Tuskey

Kimberly Monaco

Adult Librarian

[email protected]

“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!

Kimberly’s Book Recs

Assistant librarian Sheila Ruh

Sheila Ruh

Assistant Adult Librarian

[email protected]

“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in our hands to make a difference.”

― Nelson Mandela

Sheila loves reading and technology, and she enjoys sharing this passion to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Working at the Westmont Public Library provides the perfect opportunity to share her enthusiasm for helping others. When Sheila is not working, she enjoys reading the latest releases, learning about the latest technology, and walking her dog in the community.

Sheila’s Book Recs

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

Photo of Sarah Alvin

Sarah Alvin

Assistant Youth Librarian

[email protected]

“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.

Sarah’s Book Recs

Heidi Engel

Assistant Youth Librarian

[email protected]

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.

Heidi’s Book Recs

Photo of Librarian Adrian

Adrian Litwin

Assistant Youth Librarian

[email protected]

“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.

Adrian’s Book Recs

Photo of librarian Sarah Jane

Sarah Jane Nordan

Youth Librarian

[email protected]

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.

Sarah Jane’s Book Recs

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

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

“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.

 

Westmont Public Library