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Amy Hopkins, Director
Email: centraliapl@gmail.com Hello, I’ve been with the library since 2003. I applied because I thought this would be a lovely stress-free environment where I would be surrounded by books and live happily ever after, the end. HA! Not so much! Seriously, I wouldn't want to live a life where I was not a part of this library in some way! If I had not accepted a position with CPL I would have missed out on so much, including some great mentors like Patt Olsen (Director from 2002-2015), Kay Cox (Director from 1982 - 1989) and some truly fabulous patrons like Lena Pecquet, Kay Overfelt, Kathryn De La Rosa, Brenda Eastin, and many others that left this earth too soon. 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), 8 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! |
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Caitlin J.J. Spears, Adult Services Librarian
Email: caitlinjanel92@gmail.com 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 Craft Nights, First Fridays, Clothing Swap, and Craft Swap. 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/space/adventure graphic novels are my favorite. |
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Sadiqa Saleh, Adult Non-fiction / Reference Librarian
Email: kitsuneheldas23@gmail.com 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. |
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Samantha Nichols, Youth Services Librarian
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Circulation Staff Abby Ridgel Hi! My name is Abby Ridgel. I've been working at the library since March of 2021. I am a junior at Centralia High School and a varsity cheerleader! One of my favorite books is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and my favorite author is Jodi Picoult! 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. Kim Morris Hello! I’m Kimberly Morris and I have been working at the library since December 2021. Many of you will know me from working at Centralia R-VI School District, where I am currently the Data Coordinator for the district and Secretary for the Athletic Director and Counseling team. My love for working with the public and reading has brought me to the library! I love romance, biographies, and dystopian fiction. 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! Rebecca Bevel Smith Hi! My name is Rebecca Bevel Smith. I joined the library staff in June of 2022. I grew up on a farm in West Plains, Mo. My husband and I moved to Columbia in 2004, so I could pursue a master’s degree in Library and Information Technologies from Mizzou. I received that degree in 2007 while also working as a Library Media Specialist for Columbia Public Schools. In 2014, Scott and I purchased a home with 10 acres north of Hallsville. After 19 years as a Library Media Specialist for Columbia, I have moved back into the classroom as a Reading Specialist. I help struggling readers gain confidence and skills as readers. For fun, I work at the library , read books, snuggle with my 2 cats (Mr. D & Minnie) and dog (Ralph). After working and volunteering in countless libraries, I can honestly say that I have fallen in love with this library and the lovely people and community of Centralia. I have informed my husband, Scott, that we are retiring here so that I can drive my golf cart to the library everyday! |
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