Amy Hopkins, Director
​Email: [email protected]
Hello, I’ve been with the library since 2003.  I was promoted to the position of Library Director in April of 2018 after almost 15 years as the Reference/Non-fiction librarian.  I am married (since 1991) and have a daughter who graduated from Centralia High in 2010.  I have two grandkids, a boy & a girl, 3 crazy dogs (Hank, Dolly & Piper), 7 chickens, I love to garden and read... obviously!  One of my favorite websites is Goodreads.com, click this link to see what I’m reading!

Caitlin J.J. Spears, Adult Services Librarian
Email: [email protected] 
Hello! My name is Cait and I started working at the library in July 2014 as a Student Librarian, in September 2017 I became the Youth Services Librarian, and then in December 2021 I became the Adult Fiction Librarian. I order the adult fiction, e-books, and audiobooks. I also lead the Adult Crafts, First Fridays, and Silent Book Club. I have been interested in being a librarian since I was given the opportunity to work as a library cadet at CHS for Terri Brunner. I love helping people and watching Mrs. Brunner showed me that being a librarian is a great way to do that. I enjoyed working with the last Youth Services Librarian, Katherine Butrum. Katherine taught me how great it is to work with children/young adults and help them nurture their love for reading. I still love working with children, but I decided it was time to move on to other projects and work with adults now. 
​I graduated from Centralia High School in 2010 and since then I have received my Associates of Arts degree from Moberly Area Community College and my Bachelors Degree from Columbia College. I live with my husband (Tyler), son (Hendrix) & our four dogs (Zoey, Chloe, Puddin’, & Coco).  I love to read just about any genre, but fantasy and/or romance are my favorites.

​Sadiqa Saleh, Adult Non-fiction / Reference Librarian
Email: [email protected]

Hello, I’ve been working at this library since August 2015 as Circulation Staff and, as of August 2019, the Reference and Adult Nonfiction Librarian.  I’m also in charge of the Interlibrary Loan orders if you're looking for something we don’t currently have on our shelves. I got my dual Bachelor degrees in Natural Resources: Fisheries and Wildlife and Bachelor of Arts: English from Mizzou in 2017.  I love to read a wide range of books and watch a wide range of movies. I also love animals as evidence of my horse (Surrab,) five sheep (Copper, Penny, Baby, Midnight, and Pine Needle,) two dogs (Tucker and Sarah,) and two cats (Luna and Jafar). If you ever need help with anything I’ll always try my best to help. Come on by and say hi. I like hearing people’s stories and would love to hear your's at any time.

Samantha Gash, Youth Services Librarian 
Email: [email protected]
Hello, my name is Samantha, feel free to call me Sam. I go by both. I started working at the library in 2017 as Circulation Staff. As of 2021, I am the Youth Services Librarian. I lead several programs such as Lego Club, Anime Club, Pokemon Club, Minecraft Club Adult Dungeons and Dragons Club, as well as order books for both the children and teen area.  One of my favorite parts of working at Centralia Public Library is getting to work with the community to bring reading and fun activities to our youth patrons.
I have lived in Centralia my whole life and graduated from CHS (Go Panthers!) in 2016. I married my husband, Dakota,  in 2019. We have two kids, Marceline and Milo, as well as our dog Kisses. Some of my favorite books right now are The Sad Ghost Club by Lize Meddings and Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer.  

​Amanda Erisman, Storytime Librarian
Email: [email protected]​
Hello there! My name is Amanda Erisman, and I am delighted to introduce myself as a member of the library staff. I officially joined the team in July of 2023. It didn't take long for me to find my true calling, and in September, I proudly took on the role of Storytime Teacher. A bit about my educational background: I am a graduate of Centralia High School, and I further pursued my studies at the University of Missouri and Columbia College, earning valuable degrees along the way. Before joining the library, I spent several rewarding years working for Centralia R-VI as an elementary teacher and librarian.

Outside of my professional life, I am happily married to my husband Kevin, and together, we live on our family farm. Our family consists of three wonderful children: Lance, Grant, and Becca. When I have some downtime, you will likely find me engaging in one of my favorite hobbies. I absolutely love camping and watching sports. Traveling is another passion of mine – discovering new places truly brings me joy. And of course, reading is an integral part of my life. 

I must say, sharing stories and embarking on book adventures with children is an absolute thrill for me. It's like opening doors to countless possibilities, allowing their imaginations to soar. I am genuinely excited to be back in this role and to continue fostering a love for reading and learning in young minds.

Circulation Staff

​Chloe Stickney
Hello! My name is Chloe Stickney. I have lived in Centralia for my whole life and graduated from Centralia High School in 2020. I started working here at the library in August 2021. I am currently attending MACC. I have a little brother who is a few years younger than me. I have three cats whose names are Samson, Peaches, and Loki. I enjoy reading YA fiction, graphic novels, and manga. Other hobbies of mine include watching TV shows, movies, and anime. I also enjoy playing video games on my Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

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​Dawni Henry
Hey! I'm Dawni Henry, lifelong book lover who is thrilled to have joined the staff of the library in December 2021.  I grew up in Centralia and after some jet setting, settled back in town with my husband Seth.  I am a licensed funeral director with Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home and also the Events & Activities Director for Centralia Parks & Rec.  I enjoy spending my free time with my book club, at the golf course or educating others about NF1, a rare genetic disorder of the nervous system that affects my daughter.  I welcome a good conversation and all book recommendations, so drop by and see me!​

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Sarah McLean
Hello!
My name is Sarah McLean. I moved to Centralia in 2022 and have been working at the Centralia Public Library since October 2023.I have experience in a little bit of everything: coaching youth soccer, event work, volunteer work, food service, customer service, and the wine industry. My favorite work experience has always been working in libraries, from public schools to botanical libraries. I have an  A.S. Degree in Library Science and Technology with a certificate/focus in Research. I am very happy to be working here and helping patrons find books.
I enjoy a variety of hobbies including but not limited to gardening, practicing my banjo, anything art related, reading and walking. My favorite part about Centralia besides the library, is how nice and welcoming everyone has been and the Chance Gardens. I enjoy reading classics, cozy mysteries (the kind of stories where the town has a murder every week yet everyone stays for the small town baker who somehow makes a living off of cookies and unpaid detective work) and poetry.
P.S: I love frogs and Pokémon.