About Us

Meet our Staff

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 - 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!

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.

JCL Library Services and Outreach Coordinator Cole Sawyer has worked for the library since January 2024, and his favorite part of the job is planning and attending library programs. "Whether it's a book discussion, crafting class, or local history presentation, we always know how to have a good time while learning something new!"

His favorite library resource is the seed library, which he uses to grow flowers in his cut flower garden.

In his free time, Cole loves to kayak on the many beautiful rivers in Missouri. His favorite is the Current River, near Eminence.

Contact Us

Arnold Branch

Branch Manager: Meredith McCarthy

Circulation Library Associate II: Marcia

Circulation Senior Clerk II: Brenda

Adult Services Manager:  Charlene

Adult Services Associate II: Angela

Adult Services Associate I: Amber

Youth Services Librarian II: Amy

Cedar Hill Satellite

Satellite Supervisor: Brenda R.

Adult Services Senior Clerk I: Tammie

Adult Services Senior Clerk I: Kris

Northwest Branch

Branch Manager: Cindy Hayes 

Circulation Library Associate:  Jen

Adult Services Associate III: Debby

Adult Services Senior Clerk: Monica 

Adult Services Senior Clerk: Tracy

Genealogy Library Associate: Ginger

Genealogy Senior Clerk: Erin

Genealogy Senior Clerk: Bettye

Children's Associate: Julia 

Teen Services Senior Clerk: Amanda

Windsor Branch

Branch Manager: Adam Tucker

Circulation Supervisor: Dawn

Circulation Senior Clerk II:  Sherri

Adult Services Librarian: Jason

Youth Senior Clerk II: Kim

Central Services

Library Director: Tony Benningfield

Assistant Director for Library Services: Pamela Withrow 

Finance/HR Manager: Lindsay Winkler

Technical Services Manager: Kate Coleman

Facilities Supervisor: Gary Grzeskowiak

Marketing Manager: Laura Maddock