Faces of CPL: Staff
See the faces of Chicago Public Library who helped to shape our story and live our mission.
CPL STAFF
James T.
I love the library because it saved my life.
12 years ago, I was in need of kidney transplant and my coworker/friend, Kristen, decided to donate one of her kidneys to me. Without hesitation she just said, "if I can save someone's life by giving that person one of my kidneys, why not." Just like that, not only I get a new life, I also gain a family member.
CPL STAFF
"Jazzman Ray" O. and his sister Debra O.
We love performing at the Chicago Public Library branches for the children and families!
Over seven years, CPL has been hosting my brother, saxophonist "Jazzman Ray", Librarian II, with his wonderful narration of books and interpretation of American Children's standards played in various styles.
I'm his sister Debby Orellana, also a Libarian, artist and musician. I join Ray on drums or mandolin.
CPL STAFF
Linda Anne D. and Annie M.
I watched my mom (Linda D.) work at a small storefront branch in Clearing for decades and always looked up to her as a superhero. She helped her community and partner organizations all collaborate and make the neighborhood better for all of us, and always directed us to the right resource and encouraged us to think and ask for more.
I wanted to continue her work and also became a librarian and worked for the same wonderful organization for almost 25 years. We love Chicago Public Library.
CPL STAFF
John and Roxie R.
CPL has given us both the opportunity for careers, because we both started out as a library page to now Clerk IV and Supervising Clerk.
CPL STAFF
Shanta H.
I love CPL because it allows me to support, train and mentor staff to be able to provide a welcoming environment to patrons with educational and recreational resources.
CPL STAFF
Tareai D.
I love working and being able to make a different in the lives of the people (especially my teens) I serve while working at CPL.
CPL STAFF
Annie A.
I moved to Chicago from Tennessee to be a CPL children’s librarian. Some years later, my husband Tom moved from Nebraska to be a CPL branch manager. A longtime friend who was also a CPL children’s librarian matched us up on a blind date. She and her husband took us to Ravinia for a jazz concert and picnic.
We are celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary in 2023. Our daughter is attending college. We love being librarians and the Chicago Public Library!
CPL STAFF
Katrina C.
I've attached a picture of myself, my daughter, Katriana - Teen Librarian at Lincoln-Belmont, my nephew - Page at West Lawn and my husband, Connie - A Retired CPL Head Clerk - Uptown. The library has helped me raise 9 children and a few of them through college. As an avid reader and diamond painter (which I learned about through a library program); I am amazed at the ways Chicago Public Library has helped me, my family and countless others to be lifelong learners. I am proud to celebrate 150 of CPL!
CPL STAFF
Jackie and Jennifer D.
It all started when I was in high school in a job program, the library was hiring at the time, I applied and interviewed and got offered the library page position at my local library Chicago Lawn. Was so excited to start my first job and make my own little spending money while I was still in high school. Who would have thought after 20+ years my daughter Jennifer would be working at her local library while in high school as well. It’s a blessing to be part of such an amazing CPL family.
CPL STAFF
Thomas
I love CPL for the great customer service! Back in the 1990s as a Lindblom high school student, I went to my local branch to locate books for a research paper. Upon checking out, I was embarrassed about my library card damaged in a house fire. Staff member Cynthia was very compassionate and offered me a new card. 2 years later, I became a Library Page at the same branch. I've been with CPL for 25+ years. I will forever cherish that experience as a patron which served as a catalyst to this career path.
CPL STAFF
Tina C.
I never would have thought that the work-study that I was doing at the library at the University of Evansville would lead me to a 30-year vocation as a public librarian. Chicago Public Library has taught me patience, understanding, meeting people where they are at, a love of reading, and knowledge that I enjoy sharing with others. It is part of our very mission that we welcome everyone who walks through our doors without bias. It is that welcoming spirit that I try to live throughout my life.
CPL STAFF
Lolita G.
I am honored to serve as the Manager of the Pullman Library which serves the Pullman and Roseland Communities. In 1987, I was hired as a secretary and through educational opportunities, I obtained a MLIS. I love being a librarian because we make a difference in the lives of people across generational, educational, racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. Libraries, to me, serves as a conduit to addressing the needs of patrons. The services that my team and I provide daily are invaluable.
