Olya Tymciurak, Library Manager of 95th Street Library

Olya Tymciurak received her MLS from the University of Toronto in 1979. She has since worked in public, state, academic, and special libraries in Tucson, Salt Lake City and the Chicago area. At the Naperville Public Library since 1991, Olya has held positions as the Manager of the Nichols, Naper Boulevard and now the 95th Street Library. In her free time, she spends time with her family including her two dogs, Zeke and Mimi.

What is your favorite thing about working for Naperville Public Library?
My favorite thing about working at NPL is knowing that the Library makes a positive difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s providing a piece of sought after information, connecting a good book with a reader, or seeing the joy in a child’s face during story time—libraries offer everyone a special experience. We expand minds and offer a place for discovering yourself and your world.

What one service offered by NPL would you promote?
I would promote our virtual services. You can have the entire library in your back pocket, if you choose. Through the explosion of electronic resources, you can access free subscriptions to your favorite newspapers, read full text articles, download books, and ask reference questions from anywhere.

What are you reading now?
I'm a self-help junkie and love reading or listening to non-fiction titles. I am currently listing to Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink and reading The Good Caregiver by Robert Kane. Some of my all time fiction favorites include, One Hundred Years of Solitude, Confederacy of Dunces, and Shipping News.

Why should people use the Naperville Public Library?
The Library offers nourishment for the brain. I think that everyone should visit us regularly to keep their mind healthy and ever-expanding.

Karen Dunford, Library Manager of Naper Blvd. Library

Karen Dunford’s first library job was during her undergraduate college days in Ohio. Following, she had the honor of working at the University of Michigan’s Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library, while earning a Masters of Library Science. Since then, she’s worked in public libraries in New Jersey and Illinois, having served at the Naperville Public Library for 23 years. Karen’s positions have included Children’s, Teen, Adult and Special Collections work. Her roles at Naperville Public Library have included Reference Librarian, Assistant Head of Reference Services, and Adult Services Supervisor, all at the Nichols Library.

What is your favorite thing about working for Naperville Public Library?
NPL exists because of and for the residents of Naperville. It is open to all, provides access to materials that delight and educate, and promotes life-long learners. Public libraries epitomize our nation’s democratic spirit, and it’s a thrill to have a small part in shaping my local library!

What is your favorite service that NPL provides?
Hands-down, our collection! We offer a rich assortment of books (in all kinds of formats); music; movies; magazines; newspapers; and, vast universes of database information that’s available 24/7, from anywhere in the world, with an NPL library card.

What is your favorite book?
From childhood, my pick is Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame. Adult fiction "coming of age" stories are my favorites; and, two books that surface to the top are: Boy’s Life, by Robert R. McCammon and The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd.

Why should people use the Naperville Public Library?
NPL is the best bargain in town. Stop by and see for yourself! There’s no need to subscribe to lots of magazines, borrow them from us. Be sure to browse the new (we call them "hot") books, hot CDs, and hot movies – you will be amazed.

Frances Tong, Information Technology Manager

Frances Tong has worked in Naperville Public Library since 1995. Her roles at NPL have included Computer Lab Technician, Webmaster, LAN Administrator, and IT Manager. Tong earned her Bachelor Degree of Computer Science from University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

What is your favorite thing about working for Naperville Public Library?
I love working with the staff and the public. I treasure the opportunity to serve the community.

What one service offered by NPL would you promote?
The Library catalog is the heart of the service. Just search away and you can find the print collection and online collection. In addition, you can manage your account from anywhere 24/7.

What are you reading now?
I am reading Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh.

Why should people use the Naperville Public Library?
It is a living, breathing place. The Library offers more than materials and programs, people visit us to conduct business meetings, participate in group study, use the free wifi, socialize or simply relax. It is a hub of activities that reflect our times.