Meet Our Staff

BOBBI - Truckee

Bobbi with Pam Munoz RyanWhat is your favorite part of working at the library?

The patrons!

What is a book that you often recommend?

Oh! There are so many!

Any title by Ruta Sepetys like Salt to the Sea (YA Fiction)

Funny juvenile fiction books like Smells Like Dog by Suzanne Selfors and Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

Non-fiction books that read like fiction, such as:

The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Educated by Tara Westover

Bomb by Steve Sheinkin

Fatal Fever by Gail Jarrow

What's an interesting/surprising fact about yourself?

I can juggle.

SYDNEY - Madelyn Helling Library

Sydney_MHWhat is your favorite part of working at the library?

I work at a place where everyone is welcome, all things are free and imagination and creativity engulf you.

What is the last movie or book that made you cry?

It was Mrs. America; Liberty, Freedom, and Justice for All

What inspires you?

People that are passionate about what they are doing, making and/or how they are living.

If you could be in a band, past or present, which one would you join, and what role would you take on?

I would join The Clash and would want to be the band photographer/documentarian although James Brown or Patti Smith would do just fine too.


DONNA - Grass Valley

DonnaWhat is your favorite part of working at the library?

I love discovering new things every day, whether it comes in the form of a book, magazine, graphic novel or an interaction with a patron or coworker.  

What is a book that you often recommend? 

Electric State by Simon Stalenhag.  It's basically a sci-fi, post apocalyptic, picture book for adults.  

What is the last movie or book that made you cry? 

I'll cry at anything if you give me the chance.  The last thing I cried at was a commercial with a father and son graduating college at the same time.  It's ridiculous.    

Photo of staff member, Emily! EMILY - Grass Valley Library


What is your favorite part of working at the library? 

I love helping people, and doing storytime for families.

Tell us an interesting or surprising fact about yourself:

I grew up in a house that was built in 1806. It took my parents three years to make it livable. Even then we didn't get a shower or heat (other than a fireplace) until I was 14!

What inspires you? 

A good story. And nature, which is its own good story, really.

What is a book that you often recommend? 

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

What is the last book, movie or tv show that made you cry?

Time, a documentary by Garrett Bradley

JULIE - Bear River/Madelyn Helling

Julie PictureWhat is a book that you often recommend?  

I always recommend my all-time favorite book, East of Eden by Steinbeck. It has everything you could want in a book: mystery, drama, and masterful dialogue and character development. It will stay with you for a lifetime. For Poetry I recommend Rose by Li-Young Lee, Mockingbird Wish Me Luck by Charles Bukowski, and Donkey Gospel by Tony Hoagland.

What is an interesting/surprising fact about yourself? 

I have run a marathon, I got to see Nirvana live in 1991, and despite being a huge Jeff Bridges fan,  I do not like The Big Lebowski (((gasp)))!

If you could be a part of any band, past or present, which one would you join and what role would you take on?

I would definitely be in The Runaways, because they were the first true all-girl rock band - plus, the clothes!  They got to invent what an all-girl rock band would look like and sound like, and it was the epitome of cool and every teenage boy loved them.  I would have liked that.  I would play bass because you can still rock without being in the forefront, which I'm sure is an analogy of my life. :-)

NICK - Madelyn Helling

County Librarian, Nick Wilczek with an Orion Starblaster 6Hi.  My name is Nick Wilczek.  I’ve been County Librarian since June of 2020.

My favorite part of working at the library is serving the community and getting to know folks.  The creativity and dedication of my coworkers inspire me every day.  I’ve read all of Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe novels, am currently working through the 28 volumes of Lone Wolf and Cub, and think that everyone should take a few minutes to read the poem Stone by Charles Simic. Outside of work I love spending time with my family, being outside, and practicing my cooking skills.  I’m a fan of University of Kentucky basketball, professional wrestling, and music with twangy guitars.


Hand-drawing of Brittany behind a stack of books with flowers BRITTANY - Grass Valley Library 


What inspires you? 

Everyday heroism and courage 

What is a book you often recommend? 

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

If you could live in a book, tv show or movie, what would it be? 

All Creatures Great and Small - give me that country life!

If someone who knows you well were to name a book, tv show or movie that describes you well, what would it be? 

Ted Lasso

Describe yourself in 3 words: 

Kind of funny

What is the last book, movie or show that made you cry?

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

PIRET - Truckee

PiretWhat is your favorite part of working at the library?

One of the things I enjoy most about working at the library is building meaningful relationships with our patrons, especially our amazing youth. Truckee is a unique, close-knit community where everybody knows everybody. It’s wonderful to see local families outside the library, and talking not only the latest best sellers, but also about how their kids, pets and daily lives are going. Also, being an avid reader, I love to provide book recommendations during personal interactions! 

What is the last movie or book that made you cry?

The last book that moved me deeply was “The Exiles”, by Christina Baker Kline.

What inspires you?

Being an outdoor enthusiast and nature/animal lover, Truckee is “the” place to enjoy everything the four seasons have to offer. From spring daffodils to the lazy afternoons along the Truckee River with its fall colors, I have fallen in love with our mountain community. There is nothing that makes me happier than exploring local trails with my family, including our two dogs, Stella and Tessa, while hiking, running or cross-country skiing.

RACHEL - Madelyn Helling

RachelWhat is your favorite part of working at the library? 

I am a very excitable and outgoing person who loves talking to and meeting new people. Everyday in the library I meet someone new and get to create a connection. It is so fun to build relationships with all kinds of people in the library. Who wouldn’t love hanging out in the library all day?

Describe yourself in 3 words. 

Sassy, Fun, Kind

What is an interesting/surprising fact about yourself? 

I absolutely hate getting my hair cut so I let it grow out as long as possible before getting it trimmed. Usually about once a year but I sometimes go even longer! My record was 2 years without any scissor touching these locks!

Maggie standing in front of bookshelves MAGGIE - Grass Valley Library


What is your favorite part of working at the library? 

When I'm out and about in the community and overhear people talking about how great the library is. That is when I know we have made an impact. Also witnessing the simple joy when I can place a sought-after book in a patron's hand. 

What inspires you? 

The change-makers all around me 

What is a book that you often recommend? 

There, There by Tommy Orange 

If you could live in a book, tv show or movie, what would it be? 

Game of Thrones (although I probably wouldn't live very long)

If you could join a band, past or present, which one would it be and what role would you take on? 

An amateur bluegrass band. I would play 3rd banjo and sing my heart out.

ROTHA - Truckee

RothaWhat is your favorite part of working at the library?  

My favorite part of working at the library is interacting with patrons and helping to share all the resources we offer. Whether its school assignments, job searches, entertainment or curiosity (intellectual or plain vanilla), I love assisting people to find what they’re looking for. I love hearing, “I didn’t know you had/did that at the library!”

What is the last movie or book that made you cry? 

The last movie that made me cry was (pre-Covid) “The Art of Racing in the Rain” and more recently, a second watching of one my all-time favorites, “I Am Sam”.

If you could be a part of any band, past or present, which one would you join and what role would you take on? 

OK! So, this is a “don’t get me started” kinda question. I could never live a musician’s lifestyle but if I could sing, I’d be a Raelette, backing up the immortal Ray Charles. I would’ve given anything to sing or just play tambourine at the recording of “Roy Orbison & Friends: A Black and White Night”. I mean, TCB band, Bruce, Jackson, Elvis, Bonnie, K.D. and Roy Orbison!! I’d also love to have been a part of the “Stop Making Sense” tour by the Talking Heads- oh, and the “All the Road Running Tour” with Mark Knopfler & Emmylou and blah blah blah…

SUNNY BEE - Madelyn Helling

Person in a bear suitWhat is your favorite part of working at the library?

I love showing up at Storytimes, Those Librarian’s are always coming up with the silliest stories and songs! I like meeting all the kids who are there and giving them high fives!

What is a book that you often recommend?

I have soooooo many favorite books, Corduroy, Berenstain Bears, Polar Bear’s Underwear and Winnie the Pooh, just to name a few!  I just love Eric Carle’s, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See? I can’t believe all those animals he sees, it’s amazing!

What is the last book or movie that made you cry?

The movie Christopher Robin chokes me up something terrible. Growing up is not easy!

If you could live in a book, what would it be?

I would just love to live in the book, Teddy Bear’s Picnic. I would love to eat all the wonderful berries and treats while playing the best bear games with my pals in the beautiful forest every day!

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Loveable, kind and hungry

What is an interesting/surprising fact about you?

I LOVE to read. My favorite bedtime story before I hibernate is Goodnight Already, by Jory John.  Another interesting fact is that I love to roller skate. I’m known for my grace and agility on those wheels.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by books about cooking, did I mention I have a rather big appetite? When I check out a cook book at the library, I like to try all the recipes and I always triple the batch. Sometimes, I even quadruple the batch if I have company.

If you could be part of any band, past or present, which one would you join and what role would you take on?

If I could be in any band I would just be tickled to be in the Country Bear Jamboree. Maybe they’ll hear about me and give me an audition, who knows I think I might have a chance.

photo of staff member Crystal's dog Ripley, a black and white puppyCRYSTAL - Grass Valley Library


Tell us an interesting or surprising fact about yourself:

I am named after a rodeo horse

What is a book that you often recommend? 

For adults, Lonesome Dove 
For kiddos, Geronimo Stilton 

Describe yourself in 2 words: 

Obsessive Eclectic

What is the last book, mobie or show that made you cry? 

The new Ghostbusters got me real good

Image of heart-shaped bookshelf full of booksSEAN - Grass Valley Library


What is your favorite part of working at the library? 

Helping people of all ages find a great book, movie, or music!

Tell us an interesting or surprising fact about yourself: 

I collect vintage video games and toys

What is a  book that you often recommend?

Saga by Brian K. Vaughn

If you could live in a book or, tv show or movie, what would it be?

The Twilight Zone 

Describe yourself in 3 words: 

Nerdy, quiet, attentive

If you could join a band, past or present, which one would it be and what role would you take on? 

Drummer for the Beatles