Meet The Youth Services Staff

Nice to meet you!

Stop by and say hello when you come to the library. We’re happy to answer questions and suggest books or movies. We also love when you tell us about a great book to read and we have a special surprise waiting for kids who get their first library card! Contact us.

	Alex They told me I could be anything I wanted to be... so I became a Youth Services Assistant Librarian at the Barrington Area Library! I love working at this lively library and assisting such amazing patrons. My ideal day would be spent reading all the fantasy and science fiction books I could get my hands on. I am also pretty awesome at board games.
	Aly I’m a Youth Services Librarian, which is to say, I love reading, finger painting, and singing “If you’re happy and you know it” accompanied by a chorus of preschoolers! One of the best things about my job, though, is putting just the right book into the hands of an excited new reader. I’m deeply committed to inspiring a love of reading in children, and finding new ways for them to explore, discover, create, and have fun in the library. When I’m not at the library, I’m probably riding my bike around town, baking, or playing the ukulele.
	Becky I am a Youth Services Librarian and I have the best job in the world, seriously. I get to buy books for the Youth Services fiction collections and hang out with fun kids all day! When I grow up, I want to be a professional Sasquatch hunter, but for now I’ll stay at the library and read as many good books as I can get my hands on. I recommend Half Magic by Edward Eager, Nation by Terry Pratchett, and, obviously, everything by Rick Riordan!
	Dog I was sure glad when the librarians invited me to come live at the library. Not to brag, but I think I’m a pretty good library dog. I rarely bark and I get lots of exercise as kids take me all over the library with them. Next time you visit, why don’t you read me a story or tell me a joke? I love jokes almost as much as I love bacon. Here’s one of my favorite jokes: “What kind of dog does Dracula have?” “A bloodhound, of course!”
	Jan As a Barrington resident that loved coming to our library and bringing my children here, I was thrilled when I became an Assistant Librarian in 2008. During the work day I get to help Barrington children find the books and movies they want as well as purchase holiday titles and books about the fifty states. Since I love celebrations and traveling this is a perfect fit. My favorite books are historical fiction, but I truly love reading any well written book.
	Julie I work as an Assistant Librarian and help plan and run the drop-in craft programs, present occasional story times and help keep the picture books and beginning readers organized. I enjoy reading all kinds—from chapter books through adult novels. My favorite genres are fantasy, realistic fiction and mystery. I especially enjoy listening to audiobooks, and I always have one on in the car on my drive to work, and another on my iPod, or iPad at home. My interests include books, gardening, animals, sewing, and crafts.
	Mike I am a Youth Services Librarian who loves to read fast paced fantasy adventures, especially if they include ninjas or superheroes. My favorite part of working in Youth Services is seeing the creative process of children, and I am continually astonished by their masterpieces. I also like to experiment with technology and present programs that will encourage kids to pursue their interests.
	Mitch I have been a Youth Services Librarian since 2007. Before that, I worked for many years as a broadcast journalist. I enjoy “shaking my sillies out” at library storytimes, working with children at the reference desk, putting together large stacks of books to send to local schools, and of course reading children’s literature. I live in Barrington with my wife and daughter, and I was a regular library visitor long before joining the library’s staff.
	Nancy I have always had a passion for working with children. You can find me in the story room reading to preschoolers or in the craft room helping the next Picasso create a masterpiece! Before coming to work at Barrington as an Assistant Librarian, I worked as a preschool teacher, Scout leader and swimming instructor (my other passion). My ideal day would be sitting on the beach with my family and reading a really good book! I enjoy reading realistic fiction, but have been known to peruse the cookbooks to no end.
	Nellie the Elephant I love Barrington kids! I’ve been watching over them since I came to the library in 2001. Did you know they even picked out my name? I’m named after Nellie from the book Nellie’s Knot. Spending the days and nights here at the library is great. I get hugs and kisses, people tell me secrets, and sometimes I even get fun treats just for me. When the library closes, I like to pay ping-pong against the librarians. Well, I did until a few months ago when I sprained my trunk in a particularly intense match. Come and visit me! I love making new friends. Color a picture of Nellie.
	Ryann I love helping people find what they are looking for—whether that's the newest movie to watch or a funny book to read. I also love encouraging people to create with technology, DUPLOs or anything else we can find! As the Head of Youth Services, I get to help plan for the future and find the best librarians for the library. I enjoy reading all types of books—science fiction to romance to presidential biographies—and spending time with Clete, also known as The World’s Best Yellow Labrador. Well, that’s what HE says, anyway.
	Shellee I am an Assistant Librarian. I select books for our board book collection and assist with our magazine collection. I enjoy helping patrons of all ages find books and I am always recommending new books to friends and family.