Meet the Staff | Benbrook Public Library

Erica

Library Director

I am the Library Director. I was hired in September 2014 as a Programming Librarian and was promoted to Assistant Director in October 2020. In March 2022, I was named the Library Director. My main purpose is not only to keep the library running with the budget and administrative responsibilities but also to support the staff as they deliver programs and services to the community. I work with the staff and Board of Trustees in collaboration so that the library is a welcoming place for all Benbrook residents. My favorite part of being the Library Director is working with the community and the look on patrons' faces when they realize how much our library has to offer! As we work towards the process of building a new library, I am wholeheartedly dedicated to building a library that meets the needs of our community.

Library Services

Miranda

Library Services Director

Hello! I'm Miranda, and I'm thrilled to be part of the Benbrook Public Library family since 2001. My journey here began as a children's librarian, where I had the joy of igniting young imaginations through storytelling, interactive programs, and a love for reading.

Now, as a library services director, I bring my passion for connecting people of all ages with the resources they need to thrive. I'm dedicated to ensuring that every patron feels welcome and supported.

With over two decades of experience, I've developed a deep understanding of our library's offerings and the diverse needs of our community. It's been a privilege to serve the wonderful people of Benbrook, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue doing so in my current role. I'm always eager to share my love for learning and literature with others, and I look forward to connecting with you at the Benbrook Public Library soon!

Alicia

Adult Services Librarian

Hello! I am an Adult Services Librarian. I began working at Benbrook Public Library in February 2024. Before starting a new career as a librarian, I spent over 14 years as an educator in independent schools. I graduated with my Masters in Education from Long Island University and a BA in Theatre Design from SUNY New Paltz. I am thrilled to start a new chapter here at Benbrook and look forward to serving my community. I love reading, writing, knitting, and baking. I am an avid equestrian and when I’m not at the library you will probably find me at the barn. Besides my horse, I have a Pekingese and a cat whom I adore.

Chelsey

Adult Services Librarian

Hello! I am an Adult Services Librarian. I started working at the Benbrook Library in November 2023. In the past, I’ve worked at the Burleson Public Library, White Settlement Library, and most recently Mansfield Public Library. I have loved working in each library and experiencing friendships through the love of reading. I graduated from UTA in 2014 with a Bachelors of English and History and from UNT in 2017 with a Masters in Library Science. I have 2 cats that I spend most of my time with. I enjoy reading fantasy, young adult, juvenile fiction, classic, romance, and science fiction books. My other interests include kpop, concerts, crocheting, and playing flute.

Haley

Youth Services Librarian

Hi! I am a Youth Services Librarian and I started working at Benbrook Public Library in April 2024, shortly before finishing up my MLS at Texas Woman's University. Before coming to Benbrook, I worked in many positions in the Tom Green County Library System in San Angelo, TX for almost two years. In that time, I discovered my love of working with kids of all ages and am not afraid to dance around and roll on the floor with the littles in story time or sit down with teens and help them find and explore their niche interests. When I'm not working, I'm reading (mainly fantasy, sci-fi, horror, romance, and YA, but I dabble in about everything), spending time with my dogs and gecko: Belle, Morgana, and Alphys, or seeking out expos, cons, ren faires, and just about anything else that gives me the excuse to dress up.

Hannah

Youth Services Librarian

Hello! I am a Youth Services Librarian. I started in May 2024, right after finishing my master's degree in information studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Before obtaining my master’s degree, I worked in youth programming at the Fairfield, Texas library and taught 1st grade for two years in Memphis, Tennessee. I have a background in film and animation, and I try to always have an ongoing animation project. I read a lot, and while I try to keep my reading diverse, I mostly read horror, graphic novels, literary fiction, and non-fiction. I have a giant orange tabby cat named Tombo who keeps me on my toes.

Austin

Library Assistant

Hello! I am the Library Assistant primarily focusing on supporting the youth services librarians. I started here at Benbrook in early January 2021, and since then I've continued to reshelve the children's books, tidy-up the play area, and set up for many of the programs we offer to make sure your kiddos have as much fun as possible in our library. I developed my love for reading at a young age and it's been sincerely rewarding to help others find that for themselves, especially with the same books I remember enjoying at their age. Currently my passion for books lies in autobiographies, psychology, and anything with a neat book-cover. I enjoy baking, playing video games and finding new music (and I also think frogs are super cool!). I love what I do with being able to assist anybody with their library needs, and I welcome any and all questions you may have. Thank you for allowing me to serve y'all!

Krystal C.

Collection Development Librarian

Hi everyone! I was hired as a Library Assistant in March of 2022. I got my bachelor’s degree in Classical Civilizations and minored in English and Studio Art from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. During my summers I volunteered at the North Richland Hills Library and loved it so much that I decided to get my master’s degree. I graduated from the University of North Texas with my Library Science degree in 2014. I worked at Lancaster Veterans Memorial Library in Lancaster, TX as a Library Assistant for almost 5 years where I did a little bit of everything. I enjoy reading just about everything, but some of my favorites are fairy tale retellings, fantasy, historical fiction, and children’s books with great art!

Kaelin C.

Cataloging Specialist

Hello! I am a Cataloging Specialist. I started working at the Benbrook Library in May 2024. In the past, I have worked at the Southwest Regional Library and most recently at Texas Christian University during my practicum. I graduated from TCU in 2021 with a Bachelors of English and from TWU in 2024 with a master's in library science. I have a fur baby chihuahua named Kylo that I love. I enjoy reading historical fiction, romance, mystery, and science fiction books. My other interests include playing video games, dungeons and dragons, and watching anime.

Gisela Ruiz

Marketing Specialist

Hello! I am the Marketing Specialist, hired in March 2024. I am a recent graduate with a degree in communications and a background in marketing. I am thrilled to be a part of this community through the Benbrook Library and continue to spread awareness of all we have to offer! During my off time I enjoy reading, gardening, long walks with my Basenji pup, Sparty, and finding new coffee shops to kick back!

Circulation

Sheryl

Circulation Director

I am the Circulation Director here at Benbrook Public Library. I manage a staff of seven wonderful people! You might ask yourself, what does the Circulation Department do? We are here to make sure you have the widest variety of books, DVD’s, audiobooks and technology to check out. We check in the items when you turn them in and put them back out on the shelf so other patrons can enjoy them. The Circulation Department is where you can get an ILL, which is a way to get books that can’t be found in our library or any of the MetroShare libraries. Our department is where you will come to get a new library card or to renew your library card after three years. We also process new books and mend books that are in need of repair. So, as you can see, we are quite busy. So please come in to meet our friendly staff! We always have someone there to greet you at the Information desk and help you in any service that you might need!

Jenny

Library Assistant

I have been with the Benbrook Library since October 2020. I started out as an On-Call Library Assistant and then moved up to a part-time Library Assistant. You can find me either at the Information Desk or out amongst the books! I can help you with checking your items out, locating books, or just about any question you may have about our library. This is my ideal place to work, surrounded by books. My other hobbies include crocheting, sewing, gardening, playing with and walking my dogs. Come and lose yourself in a book!

Karin

Library Assistant

Hello and Hola! I am a Library Assistant. I enjoy helping new patrons of all ages and nationalities, especially those who are surprised to see what Benbrook Public Library has for improving their lives. As a teenager volunteering at an Air Force base library to working at several city public libraries as an adult, I enjoy sharing the unique items and programs the Library has for our community. I love words and want to give everyone excellent attention and customer service. I signed up for my first Benbrook Library card in 1987 and have volunteered at Benbrook Public Library prior to my current position.

Tatyana

Library Assistant

Hey there! I'm a Library Assistant who moved to Benbrook, Texas in 2021. Spider-Man, my favorite superhero, constantly inspires me with his heroic tales. When it comes to movies, Twilight holds a special place in my heart as my go-to choice. During my downtime, I thoroughly enjoy reading, playing video games, watching anime, and immersing myself in movies. It's an absolute blessing to work at the Benbrook Public Library alongside an amazing group of individuals.

Keri

Library Assistant

Hello! I am a Library Assistant. I moved to Fort Worth, Texas in April 2024. I absolutely love working in the library and being able to work with these amazing people who have a shared heart for books and helping others!!!

I worked in a library a long time ago then ended up working for Gray Televison for 13 years as a Technical Media Producer (directing newscast and keeping tv stations on air). I'm so excited to be back in a library as it is my happy place! I love to immerse myself in reading (mainly fantasy, sci-fi, retelling of fairy tales, romance, and YA especially dystopian); getting lost in a new world, you never know where it's going to take you or how it might change you a little each time. I enjoy watching movies, playing video games, D&D, watching any crime show there is and last but not least I have an eclectic array of hobbies such as: crocheting, puzzles, building metal models, gardening and plants. I love them all but never have enough time to do it all at once!!!.

I love being at home with my 2 dogs (Domino aka NONO and Venus) as well as spending time with my boyfriend watching movies that touch the heart strings!

Jenni

Library Assistant

Hello Everyone! My name is Jenni and I am a Library Assistant. I started in June 2024 and I'm excited to begin my journey with you all. I moved to Benbrook in 2021 to be closer to my family after living in California for most of my life. Before moving here, I taught theatre for 20 years and have been working with children and young adults with autism for the last three. I am currently in school working toward my MLS in hopes of becoming a youth librarian when I finish. I love working with children of all ages and I'm excited to learn and grow here at the Benbrook Library. When I'm not working or studying, I enjoy reading romantasy, non-fiction, and of course, children and YA books. I also love to bake- anything from cookies to sourdough bread! I look forward to getting to know our community better and helping you with any and all of your library needs!

Joyce L.

Materials Specialist

Hi. I have worked at BNPL as a Library Assistant since June of 2015. Just recently, my job title changed to Materials Specialist. I’m grateful for the change and to be working behind the scenes to restore a large portion of our damaged item. Thank you for the opportunity to continue serving the patrons.

Leilani

Circulation Page

Operations

Kristen

Library Operations Director

Greetings! I’m Kristen, the Library Operations Director. I oversee business operations, the Makerspace and STEAM programs. I started full time at Benbrook Library in October 2023, but you may know me from past art programs as early as 2019. I have a bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University and twenty years of experience in non-profit arts management including financial and ticket services roles. I’m also a textile artist who spins yarn, knits, crochets, weaves, prints fabric, and dyes fiber. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and watching all things science fiction and fantasy, tabletop gaming and cooking with my husband and cats. I’m a passionate maker, so I love to discuss techniques and processes to create anything and everything. Have an idea? Let’s explore it together! I’m excited to be part of the library team and serve the Benbrook Community in new and innovative ways!

Joyce M.

Operations Assistant

Hi! I’m the Operations Assistant. I joined the amazing library team in February 2024 after volunteering for one year. With an eclectic work history spanning HR, finance, and customer service, I've developed a versatile skill set. When I'm not immersed in the professional world, you'll find me lost in the pages of a captivating book, tending to my beloved plants, and attending concerts or embarking on exciting travel adventures with my fiancé.

Ted

Makerspace and Facilities Manager

Hello everyone! My name is Ted, and I am the Makerspace Specialist “Extraordinaire.” I joined the library in June 2022. I am one of the newest member of the Benbrook Library's merry band of misfits. (I’m still trying to prove to them that I'm cool enough to work here.) I was brought in to help make all your dreams come true, and my mission in life is to teach you how to make the most out of your library.

Perhaps you’ve always longed for a plastic model of an octopus in a top hat, or maybe you want a sign warning every one of the attack chickens; well, I am here for you. If all you need is a life-size cut-out of yourself so you can prop it at work whenever you want the day off, I’ll show you how I made mine.

Every day I am amazed at the projects and ideas that our patrons come in with, and I love helping them make it all come to life. It’s also fun watching everyone’s eyes light up when they discover what they can create here in our “little library.” I enjoy working here so much; I’ve only had to use my life-size cut-out a couple of times.

Bridgett

Community Coordinator

Hi! I am the Community Coordinator, and I joined this wonderful team in January of 2023. I have always dreamed of working in a library, and I’m so excited to be a part of this group!

As the Community Coordinator, I work on expanding the volunteer program, partnering with the Friends of Benbrook Library, interacting on social media and our website, fundraising, and all kinds of other activities!

I love reading (check out "The Wheel of Time" series), anime (currently obsessed with Black Clover), video games, cats and D&D (my favorite D&D class is either Horizon Walker Ranger or any Cleric)!

Andrew

Courier Driver

I'm originally from New Hampshire. I love long bicycle rides and road trips. My favorite dessert is apple pie.