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Kennett Library Staff

Chris Manna, he/him

Executive Director

About: Born and raised in Baltimore, I’ve lived all across the country (and abroad) as an adult working in libraries.  Outside of the library, you can find me coaching youth soccer and basketball, reading multiple newspapers daily, drinking large amounts of coffee, and enjoying a good glass of bourbon on a cold night.

Contact: cmanna@ccls.org or 484-730-8421

Adult Literacy Program

Filomena Elliott

 Adult Literacy Director

About: Besides reading, cooking and hiking, I love to travel and learn about new places and cultures.

Contact: 610-444-2702 ext. 110

Lupe Ruiz, she/her

ALP Administrative Assistant aka: Chief Helper and Problem Solver

About: I love my work with the Adult Literacy Program and each day I go home with the satisfying feeling that I was able to help someone.

After work, in my free time, I enjoy a good historical fiction book, a cup of tea and my 4 cats by my side. In summer, I am always working in my garden planting and taking care of my flowers and vegetables, and going hiking.

Contact: lruiz@ccls.com or 610-444-9118 ext.111

Library Services

Debbie Kellar

Assistant Director  

About:  I love working at the library & interacting with our customers.   Outside the library, you can find me spending time with my family, taking long walks, gardening, and shopping for antiques.  I like reading nonfiction, & browsing cookbooks.  I enjoy curling up with my three cats and three dogs!

Contact: dkellar@ccls.org 610-444-2702 ext. 106 

Lou Florence, she/they

Collection Development 

About: My list of interests is ever expanding but includes: reading, writing, artmaking, wild gardening & foraging, moths, mushrooms, lichen, rocks, typewriters, community collaborating and connecting. I hail from the wide-open wind-swept land of Oklahoma. I worked for many years as a farrier and since 2016 have found my dream job at the Kennett Library.

Contact: lflorence@ccls.org or 610-444-2702 ext. 108

Paul Sapko

Bookkeeper

About: When I’m not working, I like to spend time with my family. Besides reading, my favorite leisure activities include playing guitar, listening to classic rock, and hiking.

Library Programs

John Hendrix

Children’s Services

About:  When I’m not at the library doing children’s programming, I enjoy being at the beach with my children or home in my garden. I served in the US Army (1990-1994) and am a veteran of Operation Desert Storm.

Contact: jhendrix@ccls.org 610-444-2402 ext. 104

Rana Sakr, she/her

Director of Health Literacy & French Programs Coordinator

About: New is the word that comes to mind when asked to introduce myself.

I am new to Kennett Square, new to the East Coast, new to motherhood, and further to working at a library. I was born and raised in Lebanon, studied in France, and lived all over the West Coast. I have a medical degree in endocrinology and a passion for health awareness education. 

My wish to engage in the community led me to reach out to the Kennett library when I first moved here with my small family in 2020. Since then, I have volunteered to launch French-speaking programs. I now work at the library, and for this community, I feel blessed to be part of it. I look forward to bringing more health-related programs to life!

So feel free to say Hello, Marhaba, Bonjour, or Ciao when you see me at the circulation desk. I would love to exchange about science, gardening, traveling, and parenting while assisting you as best as possible!

Contact: rsakr@ccls.org or 610-444-2702

Marketing & Communications

Amanda Murphy, she/her

Director of Marketing & Communications 

About: When I’m not playing on social media or crafting content for the library, I enjoy long hikes in the mountains and kayaking towards the sunset. I’ve recently completed an MFA in Creative Nonfiction, and if I’m not reading a book, I’m listening to one.

Contact: amurphy@ccls.org 

Laura Archer, she/her

Communications Specialist 

About: When not geeking out over eBooks and Libby, I spend my free time going to concerts with my family and playing videos games with my friends. I am an avid supporter of fanfiction, and love reading and writing it myself. Please come talk to me about your favorite YA reads and Baby Yoda 😊

Contact: larcher@ccls.org

Development

Mary Hutchins

Development Director

About: With over 30 years of experience working in the Kennett community, first at The Kennett Paper, followed by Historic Kennett Square, and now the Kennett Library, I have a true passion for all things Kennett.  I love the restaurants, the shops and most of all the people. When I am not raising money for the library, you can find me with my family, in my garden, walking, and/or listening to books. I love Libby!

Contact: Mary@KennettLibrary.org

Circulation

Anna Linn

Library Assistant 

About: I love working in the Library and talking to all our wonderful patrons.  In my spare time you can find me outside gardening, going for walks, reading a good book and and Facetiming with my one and only granddaughter.

Annie

Library Assistant

About: I love to read and write in my free time. My favorite genre of books is nonfiction. I enjoy things such as beauty, fashion and makeup. I currently go to Kennett High School and plan to graduate in 2023.

Cliff Sink, he/him

Library Assistant

About: Newly retired after a 38-year career running technology companies and sales organizations.  Hobbies include sailing, travel and cooking

Gaby McKelligan, she/her

Library Assistant

About: Soy mexicana y puedo ayudarle en el mostrador.    My favorite thing about living in the United States is all the treasures found at libraries, so it’s really satisfying to work here.  My life project outside work is focused in raising two young humans, and reading as a hobby in my free time.

Contact: gmckelligan@ccls.org

Shawn Godfrey,  she/her

Library Assistant

About:  I love to learn!  I’ve been a teacher and parent in Kennett for a very long time.  It’s a privilege to continue my journey in the Kennett Library.  My passion is connecting nature, crafts, meditation and yoga.  I’m also working on building my Spanish skills.  Stop in to say hello anytime!  I’d love to hear what you are reading and learning so I can share with others.  Namaste!

Contact: sgodfrey@ccls.org or 610-444-2702

Natalie Lindner, she/her

Library Assistant

About: In my free time I like to play with my dog, listen to music and read. I strive to live an active lifestyle, whether that is lifting weights, taking walks, or doing gymnastics. Growing up in Kennett I’ve realized how special this town and community really are. I’m so happy to be a part of the library and I’m excited to get to know people that love the Kennett Library as much as I do.

New library!
Bayard Taylor Room
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