Nikki Esarey, the Palmyra lead circ associate is HCPL’s June Who’s Awesome! winner. Nikki was one of 20 nominations for the honor this month.

Alisa Burch, library director, nominated Nikki stating, “Nikki created a fantastical fairy experience for the Palmyra Branch to celebrate International Fairy Day on June 24, complete with a photo backdrop and fun fairy props. Nikki’s creativity knows no bounds. HCPL is lucky to have her. Nikki is awesome! ”

Nikki was also awarded the Who’s Awesome honor in February of 2023. She joined the HCPL staff in July of 2007 as a circulation clerk at Main and in October she moved to the reference department. In April of 2008, she was made head of reference. When the Palmyra Branch opened in 2010, Nikki was named the Palmyra lead circ associate where she excels at innovative, creative children’s programming and excellent customer service. She makes puppets, puts on puppet shows, creates escape rooms, leads step-by-step painting classes and more.

Nikki already received multiple nominations in 2025. This April she received three nominations relating to the flooding and water damage at HCPL facilities. Steven Schifcar, head of maintenance and grounds wrote, Nikki “helped me get sandbags out and plastic for the flooding.” Palmyra coworker Amanda Embrey said, …Nikki “was very helpful during the flood and helped Steve pull out the sandbags and place them in front of the doors to help ensure we didn’t get any water inside the building. Thankfully it didn’t get that close, but it was worrisome for about a day. Nikki is Awesome!” Burch added, “Nikki helped with water damage cleanup at the Emporium while her branch was closed due to high water. Nikki is always willing to go above and beyond for HCPL.”

This nomination was submitted in February, “Nikki uses her creativity to make great library programming. She is hard at work on the next escape room – Escape the Castle using a medieval theme. Nikki is awesome! “

Other staff members nominated in June were Ann Allen, Sarah Dorton, Amanda Embrey, Amanda Flock, Connie Greshman, Sandy Harbeson, Seren Lindsey, Debbie McClanahan, Shawnda Mosson, Eden Ransdell, Heather Rapp, Pat Schwartz, Trevor Smith, Savannah Wallace, Brandy Wilkerson, and Wilma Williams.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Ellie Tucker-Brown, reference library assistant, is HCPL’s  May winner for Who’s Awesome!  Ellie was one of the 10 nominations for the honor this month.

Debbie Strubler, a circulation clerk at the Main Branch, nominated Ellie stating, “Ellie leads the Print to Picture book club each month. She comes well prepared, and the discussion is always lively and informative. I appreciate Ellie’s effort in conducting such an inviting book club at the library.”

Ellie joined HCPL’s reference staff at Main on January 2, 2024. As a reference library assistant she helps patrons with research, finding materials, computers and interlibrary loans. In March, Ellie began leading a new HCPL book club, From Print to Picture, in which participants discuss books that have been made into movies.

Ellie was nominated for Who’s Awesome several times in 2024. In March of 2024, JoBeth Mathes, a former HCPL staff member, nominated Ellie writing, “She’s always such a kind, compassionate and caring person to not only her coworkers but also patrons. She’s always happy to help others and a pleasure to work with.”

In February of 2024, Ellie received two nominations. Debbie McClanahan, Main lead circ associate, said, “Ellie is so cheerful and kind to everyone around her! She is so nice to be around. Always has a smile!” And  former colleague Liz Dennis said this of Ellie, “She ensured several patrons got what they needed. They had unique requests and she had the answers. Ellie is an awesome coworker. She is friendly and helpful without prompt. Thank you Ellie!”

 Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in April include Amanda Applegate, Amanda Embrey, Shawnda Mosson, Bob Ohlrich, Julia Phipps, Pat Schwartz, Leo Stiner, Tiffany Thieneman, and Coby Young.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Heather Rapp, Lanesville Makerspace Specialist, is HCPL’s April winner for Who’s Awesome!  Heather was one of the 30 nominations for the honor this month.

Jessica Stroud, assistant director, nominated Heather stating, “Heather is doing an AWESOME job in the Makerspace! In addition to her regular duties (such as scheduling, training, & assisting makers), she created a plan to effectively train Coby (Young) as well as a draft of a makerspace survey for users to complete. Heather also did a great job of creating the vinyl stickers for the yard signs to promote the upcoming Shakespeare performance on May 9th. Great going, Heather! (applause)”

Heather was also nominated by Kathy Fisher, HCPL’s head of genealogy. Kathy wrote, “Heather made an awesome banner and created stickers to help FPGC commemorate Fred Griffin’s 110th birthday event! ”

Heather joined HCPL’s staff in December when she was hired to take former Makerspace Specialist Heather Wyss’s place. As the owner of Rapp Consulting, she came to HCPL with experience in managing creative projects, from graphic design and digital media to event coordination. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication Design from the University of Indianapolis with a minor in art. Her previous work experience included serving as the Public Art Administrator for the City of Jeffersonville and Marketing Coordinator for Park Community Credit Union in Louisville. Stroud also nominated Heather in February adding, “Heather works diligently to smoothly operate the Makerspace. She is knowledgeable and personable and keen to assist makerspace users…  I commend her on the progress that she continues to make. Keep up the good work, Heather!”

 Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in April include Amanda Applegate, Sheree Arnold, Bethany Banet, Alisa Burch, Amanda Embrey, Nikki Esarey, Kathy Fisher, Sandy Harbeson, Shawnda Mosson, Steven Schifcar, Pat Schwartz, Trevor Smith, Leo Stiner, Jessica Stroud, Tiffany Thieneman and Brandy Wilkerson.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Debi Strubler, circulation clerk at Corydon, is HCPL’s March winner for Who’s Awesome!  Debi was one of 17 nominations for the honor this month.

Alisa Burch, library director, nominated Debi stating, “Debi is a conscientious and hard-working employee. She bounces around the circulation department like the Energizer Bunny – always busy and looking to help others. She notifies me whenever she encounters an issue she feels needs addressed. She is friendly and engages with patrons. She is efficient and loyal. Debi is awesome!”

Debi was also nominated by Seren Lindsay, a co-worker in youth services. Seren wrote, Debi “always comes in with a positive attitude. Makes the workday much more happy and always offers a helping hand when she has the time. She truly is the definition of a person that  embodies sunshine.”

Debi has been with the library for almost 12 years, joining the youth services staff in May of 2013 while still teaching at Payneville Elementary. She later transitioned to the Corydon circulation desk and serves as a substitute at the Palmyra branch or wherever she is needed.

Debi has received multiple nominations over the years. In December of 2024, Patron Service Manager Tiffany Thieneman wrote, “Debi is always friendly and helpful. She greets everybody who walks through the door! Debi is always willing to pitch in and help whenever she can. Debi is awesome!”

Palmyra employee Megan Grindle had this to say about Debi in May of 2024, “Debi is always such a joy to work with. She is so nice and welcoming to each and every patron. She helps everyone with a smile on her face and I always look forward to working with her.” JoBeth Mathes, former reference staff member , said this about Debi in March of 2024, “She’s such a helpful and kind person to work with. She makes work fun.” And in January 2024 former employee Diana Lasky stated, “Debi always goes above and beyond while serving customers. She is friendly, helpful and makes book recommendations. If there is a customer waiting at checkout and she is at the check-in desk, she will immediately come over to provide service to the person who is waiting. Thanks for being awesome, Debi!”

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in February include Amanda Applegate, Chelsea Arnold, Amanda Embrey, Elizabeth Esarey, Megan Grindle, Jan Kirkham,

Debbie McClanahan, Shawnda Mosson, Steven Schifcar, Joie Shepherd, Jessica Stroud, Tiffany Thieneman and Brandy Wilkerson.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Amanda Applegate, patron services, is HCPL’s February winner for Who’s Awesome! Amanda was one of eleven nominations for the honor this month.

Alisa Burch, library director, nominated Amanda stating, “Amanda is always friendly and helpful to patrons and staff. She helps make the library a pleasant place to work and visit. Amanda is awesome!

Amanda was also named the Who’s Awesome! winner for October 2023 when Tiffany Thieneman, Public Service Manager wrote, “Amanda is always willing to help in any way she can! From carrying chairs and tables up and down stairs, to helping with programs, to answering any questions I may have – she always  offers to help in whatever capacity is needed. I appreciate how she offers assistance to other employees and patrons regardless of the situation. Thank you for being awesome!”

Amanda has been with the library for 26 years, joining the youth services and circulation staffs in January of 1999. She then transitioned to patron services where she works handling the recovery of overdue and damaged materials. She serves on several of HCPL’s committees including the Fun Committee, the Employee Appreciation Committee and the Hotspot Committee. She has helped Tiffany Thieneman design and host adult programs such as Just Desserts and Cookbook Club.

Amanda has received multiple nominations over the months. In August of 2024 Genealogy Head Kathy Fisher wrote, “Coming up with creative ways to celebrate the Paris Olympics was harder than imagined! Amanda was so awesome to finally break through and create such great snacks packs!” Another nomination that month read, “Day after day Amanda is friendly and upbeat. She takes her responsibilities seriously and always looks for ways to accommodate patrons and still follow HCPL policy. Amanda brightens the day for staff and patrons. Amanda is awesome.”

In July of 2024, Debi Strubler, circulation clerk, stated, ”Amanda is always cheerful. That demeanor is infectious! I also appreciate everything she does for the fun committee too!!” And Ellie Tucker-Brown wrote in May of 2024, “Amanda is willing to pitch in and help when needed, always showing a positive attitude in the process.”

 Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in February include Bethany Banet, Elizabeth Esarey, Nikki Esarey, Connie Gresham, Eden Ransdell, Heather Rapp, Trevor Smith, Jessica Stroud, and Brandy Wilkerson.

 Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Brandy Wilkerson, business manager, is HCPL’s Who’s Awesome! winner for January. There were 24 nominations for the honor this month.

Jessica Stroud, assistant director, nominated Wilkerson writing, “Following the winter storm, Brandy went out of her way to help salt the library sidewalk and to get the attention of a Town of Corydon bobcat driver to ask him to clear the way in front of the Emporium. Brandy goes above and beyond, and she is awesome! ”

Wilkerson received two other nominations this month. Palmyra lead circ associate Nikki Esarey nominated Wilkerson stating, “Brandy was so helpful recently when I needed to make a change to my insurance papers. She made multiple calls and emails to quickly get it  straightened out. I really appreciate her taking care of it in such an efficient manner. She did an awesome job!!”

The third nomination by Director Alisa Burch stated, “Everything went wrong last week and Brandy kept plugging away with a can-do attitude. If there are mistakes, she works to fix them. She keeps learning and progressing everyday. Brandy is awesome!”

Wilkerson joined the HCPL staff on October 22. She trained for a month with former business manager Kelly Powell. Wilkerson was previously employed by Tyson Foods.  She received two nominations in December. Public Services Manager Tiffany Thieneman wrote, “Brandy has jumped right into her new role and is doing a great job! She asks questions and works to understand processes/procedures in different  departments. I appreciate that she is already participating in our “fun” activities and dress days. Brandy is awesome! “  The second nomination said, “Brandy is working hard to learn and understand her new role  as business manager. She is making the position her own working on a more organized system and keeping accurate instructions and records of processes. She has also filled in on the run while Steven has been off. She is willing to help when and where she is needed. Brandy is awesome.”

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Others nominated in January include: Ann Allen,  Amanda Applegate, Bethany Banet, Alisa Burch, Nikki Esarey, Kathy Fisher, Connie Gresham, Eden Ransdell, Jennifer Schroering, Steven Schifcar,  Trevor Smith, Jessica Stroud, Tiffany Thieneman, and Savannah Wallace.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director