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.

Gary Grzeskowiak has served at JCL since 2022, and he loves being on the library's team. "I get excited each day seeing the impact of the services we offer to our community," he says. "As the Facilities Supervisor, my top priority is to ensure that we always offer a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons, staff, and community members."

His favorite library resource is the Library of Things, with two exclamation marks!

In his free time, Gary heads to the water. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends on the lake.

Technical services manager Kate Coleman has worked at JCL for over two decades. "My favorite part of the job is absolutely the people I work with," she says, "but a close second is sharing my knowledge by training colleagues all across the state." 

A library resource she loves? eMaterials. "As an audiobook fanatic, I don't know where I'd be without Libby and Hoopla!"

When she's not at work, you can find Kate completing word puzzles, book journaling, eating chocolate, "and of course reading!" Don't try to convince her that listening to books isn't reading; she'll stand strong on this conviction to the end!

Assistant director for information services Jay Manning has served at the library since 1994. His favorite part of the job in almost 30 years is "witnessing first hand the rapid growth of JCL, and being part of it," he says. "Over the past three decades I have collaborated with a lot of really great people in the community."

His favorite library resource? "Access to free eBooks!"

In his free time, you might find him playing golf, watching sports, reading comic books (especially Deadpool!), and spending time with friends and family.

Finance manager Lindsay Winkler has been at JCL since January of 2022. "My favorite part of my job is the challenge of maximizing our tax payer’s return on investment of their tax dollars with our library district’s collections, services, and programs," she says.

Lindsay loves making use of the eContent available through JCL. "I use Libby and/or Hoopla daily. E-Books, Audiobooks. I devour them!"

When she's not at JCL, Lindsay's often on the job of transporting her children to their activities, engrossed in a book, or practicing yoga.

Marketing manager Laura Maddock has been at JCL since January of 2023. She loves helping the community learn about the many resources available to them. "The library offers so much," she said. "I love that I get to spread the word about that."

Her favorite library resource? She recently checked out a tree-shaped cake pan from the library and baked a Christmas tree with her niece. "We had a blast! Can you believe the library offers that?"

When she's not at work, Laura's probably not far from her dog, Leroy, drinking a coffee, or mixing up a batch of cookie dough.