About Us

JCL director Tony Benningfield has been in the library business for over a decade, and he's steered the ship here in Jefferson County since 2021. Innovation defines Tony's favorite part of the job.

"I love looking for new ways to expand library services to all of our patrons," he said.

So what's his favorite of the library's resources? "Our new book lockers," he says, "which provide 24/7 holds access to all patrons." Check them out here.

Tony's hobbies include woodworking, bushcraft, and flying. He's your guy if you need to build anything from a rocket stove to a kitchen table!

JCL assistant director for library services Pam Withrow has worked in libraries or library-related businesses for over 20 years. She especially enjoyed being a children’s librarian and the director of a small library.

In her current role, she loves writing for grant funds to provide new and updated services for JCL patrons.

Her favorite library resource is being part of the Missouri Evergreen Consortium, which gives JCL access to over 4,000,000 resources right from the catalog.

When she is away from work, you might find her at a Cardinals game, the zoo, The Muny, or spending time with her family and favorite pooch, Banjo.

JCL - Northwest district manager Cindy Hayes has served patrons at JCL for 30 years! That's given her plenty of time for her favorite part of the job: the relationships.

"The thing I love most about my job is talking to people," she said, "and especially our patrons - some of whom I have known for the 30 years I have worked here."

In addition to her extensive community involvement -- the Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Library, Jefferson County Genealogical Society -- she enjoys delving into her family history or a good book. She's looking to add a four-legged friend to her family... small canines welcome to apply!

JCL - Arnold branch manager Meredith McCarthy has worked for JCL since 1996, and she says that every day is different - it's one of the reasons she loves her job! Along with the fact that "we get to help people in so many ways."

At the library, you might find Meredith doing anything from helping someone print a return mailing label to teaching tech skills classes. 

In her free time, in addition to "of course reading," she'll be attending comic cons and watching the Cardinals play. FYI, Willie McGee is her favorite Cardinals player she saw play and Bob Gibson is her favorite player she never saw play.