Who’s Awesome!

Amanda Embrey, Palmyra library assistant, was HCPL’s Who’s Awesome! winner for March. Amanda was one of 15 nominations for the honor this month.

The nomination from Nikki Esarey, the Palmyra lead circ associate and Amanda’s supervisor, read, “A family from northern Indiana stopped by the Palmyra branch on their way to Myrtle Beach. They were taking a break since they were traveling with small children. When Amanda found out that it was the family’s first trip to Myrtle Beach, she made a list of all of the fun, family-friendly things that her family enjoys doing at Myrtle Beach since they spend a lot of time there. The parents were impressed by how helpful Amanda was and thankful for the insider tips. Amanda went above and beyond as usual and provided first rate patron service. Amanda is Awesome!”

Amanda joined the HCPL staff at  Palmyra in April of 2013 and worked until the end of 2017, when she transitioned to a substitute position. In November of 2023, she rejoined the Palmyra schedule. This is her second Who’s Awesome honor. She received the first in November 2024.

Nikki also nominated Amanda in February 2026 and December 2025. The February nomination read, “When Sheree was out due to surgery, Amanda stepped up to clean the library without even being asked. Her actions are just one of the many ways she shows kindness and her dedication to the library.  Amanda is Awesome!” The December 2025 nomination stated, “I love how Amanda really gets into the Christmas spirit. She brought in a wireless speaker to play instrumental holiday music, switched out our clock with a Grinch clock, dressed in holiday attire every day, and helped out with Pip the elf. In addition to bringing lots of Christmas cheer, she switched her schedule around multiple times to provide coverage and helped set up and run the Grinch escape room. Amanda is awesome!!”

Each month, a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in March were Amanda Applegate, Alisa Burch, Teresa Douglass, Nikki Esarey, Jaymee Jansa, Shawnda Mosson, Donna Seewer, Steven Schifcar, Trevor Smith, and Brandy Wilkerson.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Jan Kirkham, Lanesville library assistant, was HCPL’s Who’s Awesome! winner for February. Jan was one of 17 nominations for the honor this month.

The nomination from Alisa Burch, library director, read, “Jan is very talented. Since joining the HCPL staff, in January of 2025 she has worked in the youth services and reference departments at Main and at the Lanesville branch library. She fills in where needed accepting new assignments with a smile. She is a gifted quilter, creating wall hangings for the library and quilted bags for staff members. She crafted a gorgeous quilt that she is allowing the library to display at the Corydon branch in honor of the USA’s 250th Anniversary. Each state is featured with the date it entered the Union. The quilt is titled E Pluribus Unum—out of many, one—meaning that because of the uniqueness and diversity of each state, the United States achieves its greatness through unity. I appreciate Jan’s thoughtfulness and devotion to the library. Jan is awesome!“

In January, Assistant Director Jessica Stroud  wrote, “Jan’s willingness to cover at the last minute at the Lanesville branch when a staff member was unable to work is greatly appreciated. Her flexibility and dedication to HCPL are highly valued. Thank you, Jan!“ Jessica also nominated Jan in November of 2025 stating, “I am so grateful that Jan joined the Lanesville branch team! She is a fantastic addition, and the other staff have taken a shine to her. She is always quick to help and is a joy to be around. Jan is awesome!“

In March of 2025, coworker Connie Gresham wrote, “Jan has seemed to fit right into the children’s department. She is great with the patrons, and has come up with great book display ideas. Ex: basketball for March Madness and took it upon herself to make a beautiful display quilt for the children’s department. She has a great can-do attitude and I’m so glad to be working with her.“ That month Business Manager Brandy Wilkerson also noted, Jan Kirkham is “hand-making items to make the children’s area look awesome!!!”

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in January were Chelsea Arnold, Payhton Burkhardt, Teresa Douglass, Amanda Embrey, Nikki Esarey, Shelley Gulley, Debbie McClanahan, Julie Phipps, Eden Ransdell, Heather Rapp, Donna Seewer, Trevor Smith, Tiffany Thieneman, and Brandy Wilkerson.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Bob Ohlrich, Corydon circulation clerk, was HCPL’s Who’s Awesome! winner for January. Bob was one of 16 nominations for the honor this month.

Coworker Debi Strubler nominated Bob writing, “I work with Bob more than any other employee at the library. It is always a very pleasant experience. Bob is prompt on coming to work and returning from lunch. We always split the work at the circulation desk. I always rely on him to give me sound advice if I am to make a decision. He is enjoyable and positive. He is very courteous to all patrons and treats every patron with the same kindness and empathy. He has many great stories about the adventures of his life. And he can resist any temptation of a sweet treat offered to him at the circulation desk! I cannot resist the temptation. He is a great weather man as well!”

Ann Allen, who works in youth services, has also nominated Bob stating, “My husband comes into the library frequently and he always mentions how pleasant and professional Bob is. He added that people like Bob make our library a great place to visit. I also really appreciate Bob’s friendliness and energy!” And former employee Liz Dennis nominated Bob adding, “Bob seems to always be early to work. Bob goes above and beyond in chipping in where he can and being a good team player.”

Bob has been a member of the HCPL staff since March of 2020.

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in January were Amanda Applegate, Sarah Dorton, Shelley Gulley, Jaymee Jansa, Jan Kirkham, Debbie McClanahan, Eden Ransdell, Donna Seewer, Jennifer Schroering, Trevor Smith, Jessica Stroud, Debi Strubler and Brandy Wilkerson.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Lisa Griffith, Corydon circulation clerk, was HCPL’s Who’s Awesome! winner for December. Lisa was one of 11 nominations for the honor this month.

Tiffany Thieneman, HCPL’s public service manager, nominated Lisa writing, “Lisa always thinks of me when she comes across an idea or picture of a craft that I could possibly use for Clever Crafts. I appreciate that she sends me a picture so I can add it to my collection of ideas. Lisa is awesome!”

In her July 2024 nomination of Lisa, Ellie Tucker-Brown who works in the reference department at Main, wrote, “Lisa has always been extremely helpful assisting patrons when I work with her on Thursday evenings. She extends this helpfulness to me as well. I appreciate her cheerful attitude and willingness to pitch in.”

Lisa joined the HCPL circulation staff in July of 2021.

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in December were Bethany Banet, Teresa Douglass, Amanda Embrey, Nikki Esarey, Jaymee Jansa, Shawnda Mosson, Jon Schraffenberger, Leo Stiner, and Ellie Tucker-Brown.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Jon Schraffenberger, Corydon circulation clerk, is HCPL’s Who’s Awesome! winner for November. Jon was one of 15 nominations for the honor this month.

Coworker Debi Strubler wrote, “I appreciate Jon for being willing to help out when I need a schedule change. We have a great rapport in helping each other and making sure the department has coverage. We help each other when we need a switch on work schedules.”

Assistant Director Jessica Stroud had this to say in her nomination, “Jon always goes above and beyond when assisting library patrons and his coworkers. His positive attitude is contagious, and he is a genuine team player. Jon is awesome!”

Jon joined HCPL’s staff in May of 2024.  He has a strong interest in technology and also works with Beanblossom–Cesar and Swarens funeral homes in freelance tech and video.

In September of 2024, Ellie Tucker-Brown, who works in the reference department at Main, wrote this nomination, “Jon displays such a positive attitude when interacting with patrons and staff. He greets everyone in a kind manner. His cheerful demeanor  remains constant, no matter what day or shift I have worked with him.”

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in November were Amanda Embrey, Elizabeth Esarey, Nikki Esarey, Jan Kirkham, Debbie McClanahan, Shawnda Mosson, Eden Ransdell, Pat Schwartz, Jessica Stroud, Debi Strubler, Tiffany Thieneman, Savannah Wallace, and Brandy Wilkerson.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Shawnda Mosson, Palmyra Library Assistant, is HCPL’s Who’s Awesome! winner for October. Shawnda was one of 17 nominations for the honor this month.

Nikki Esarey, the Palmyra lead circ associate and Shawnda’s immediate supervisor, nominated Shawnda, writing, “Shawnda really helped out during the Scooby Doo Escape Room – resetting the room and taking in some of the groups. She also was a great guinea pig by coming in before her shift to solve the mystery making sure everything worked on opening day. Shawnda is always willing to help and does such a wonderful job with programming. The patrons love her classes. She is a real asset to the library. Shawnda is Awesome!”

Shawnda also won the Who’s Awesome title in May of 2024. She interned with HCPL before joining the staff in March of 2010. She has worked at the Palmyra Branch for 15 years. In addition to providing great readers’ advisory and customer service, she does youth storytime, hosts the monthly “Not Your  Mother’s Book Club,” leads painting classes, and the Palmyra Clever Crafts sessions.

Shawnda has received numerous nominations in 2025. Esarey nominated her in August stating, “Shawnda has offered to lead September’s adult paint classes because I will be unable to do so. She is always willing to help out and is truly dedicated to the library and its role in the community.   Shawnda is awesome! “  Shawnda received this nomination from Library Director Alisa Burch in June, “Shawnda came up with some new and engaging activities for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. She suggested a Tiny Art show for teens and adults that runs throughout the program and planned a Bluey Bash at the Palmyra Branch. Both programs have been great additions and fit the Color Our World Summer Reading theme perfectly. Shawnda is awesome!“

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in October were Amanda Applegate, Rachel Baelz, Amanda Embrey, Elizabeth Esarey, Nikki Esarey, Sandy Harbeson, Carolyn Hofelich, Bob Ohlrich, Trevor Smith, Jessica Stroud, Tiffany Thieneman and Brandy Wilkerson.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Elizabeth Esarey, Lanesville circulation clerk and Makerspace substitute, is HCPL’s September Who’s Awesome! winner. Elizabeth was one of 12 nominations for the honor this month.

Jessica Stroud, assistant director wrote, “Elizabeth and Pat did a wonderful job in rearranging the adult, teen and youth DVD collections at Lanesville. Kudos to them for their initiative and dedication to making browsing easier for our patrons. Elizabeth is AWESOME!“

Elizabeth joined HCPL’s staff in late October of 2024. She came to HCPL with two years of library experience at the Floyd County Library working in circulation, youth programming, and computer and technology assistance at the Galena Branch.

Co-worker Pat Schwartz, has nominated Elizabeth twice.  In August she stated, “Elizabeth is a great asset at the Lanesville Branch. She takes it upon herself to pull books and display them in the children’s, teen, and adult areas of the library. We worked together to move the children’s DVDs to the wood book shelves that would be lower for the children to peruse, where some of the shelves they were on were 6 ft. tall and well above their line of sight. Elizabeth is always available and ready to tackle new projects with enthusiasm and a “get it done” attitude. Elizabeth is awesome to work with.”  Pat’s March nomination read, “Elizabeth is always happy to assist in any task that needs to be done. She is quick to pick up on new tasks and enjoys a challenge. I enjoy working with her because she has a positive attitude and is great with the patrons. Elizabeth took it upon herself to change the display books in the Children’s department with the theme, topic, or celebrations of the month. Elizabeth is awesome! “

Makerspace Specialist Heather Rapp had this to say about Elizabeth in her March nomination, “She is not only incredibly friendly to everyone she meets, but she also consistently demonstrates a willingness to learn and assist wherever needed. Recently, a family of three visited the Makerspace—a parent, a twelve-year-old, and an eight-year-old. While I was working with the younger child, the twelve-year-old needed guidance on designing a heat transfer t-shirt. Without hesitation, Elizabeth stepped in, confidently directing them to the appropriate tools and ensuring they had the support they needed. She made the family feel welcome and comfortable, seamlessly offering her help without being asked. Her initiative, warm-hearted nature, and eagerness to assist make her an invaluable part of our team.

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in September were Chelsea Arnold, Nikki Esarey, Heather Rapp, Steven Schifcar, Pat Schwartz, Joanna Shepherd, Trevor Smith, Jessica Stroud, and Brandy Wilkerson.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Coby Young, Makerspace specialist assistant, is HCPL’s August Who’s Awesome! winner. Coby was one of seven nominations for the honor this month.

Pat Schwartz, Lanesville branch, nominated Coby stating, “Coby is always looking for things to keep busy with. He is great with the patrons and knows his stuff when it comes to the machines in the maker space. Coby asks if there is anything that needs to be taken out to the trash cans and sweeps the sidewalk, deck and porch for us when he has a cancellation in the maker space or an empty slot in the calendar. He is always helpful and friendly. Coby has been an awesome addition to the Lanesville branch!“

Coby joined the Makerspace staff at Lanesville in April.  As a graduate of Corydon Central High School with a technical honors diploma, Coby came to HCPL highly recommended by CCHS Industrial Tech Instructor Ben Spencer. He is a senior at Purdue Polytechnic University majoring in Mechanical Engineering Technology and holds a SolidWorks Additive Manufacturing Certification.  He has worked as a teaching assistant at Purdue University helping students with solid works and NX 3D Modeling.

In July Coby’s supervisor, Assistant Director Jessica Stroud, nominated him writing, “Coby has taken the initiative to begin planning a Computer Automated Design (CAD) class in the Makerspace. One of HCPL’s goals regarding the Makerspace is to hold engaging maker programs to promote public interest and draw new users into the space. Kudos to Coby for coming up with this wonderful idea and for his willingness to take on a new challenge. Coby is awesome!“

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in August were Amanda Embrey, Elizabeth Esarey, Debbie McClanahan, Shawnda Mosson, Jessica Stroud, and Debi Strubler.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

Tiffany Thieneman, public service manager, is HCPL’s July Who’s Awesome! winner. Tiffany was one of 15 nominations for the honor this month.

Debi Strubler, circulation clerk, nominated Tiffany stating, “I needed an item that I was having a hard time securing. Tiffany made sure she found the item for me.” Debi nominated Tiffany in May as well, writing, “Tiffany conducts many classes at the library. But the one I love most is where there is food involved! She is always so very kind with sharing the food that is made in the classes. She recently shared a recipe that I shared at a dinner with my son’s in-laws. The recipe was very well received.”

Tiffany  was awarded the Who’s Awesome honor in July of 2023, too. She joined the HCPL staff in January of 2022 and is responsible for overseeing the reference  department, outreach and adult programming. She also devotes time to the Fun Committee to make HCPL a “fun” place to work.

Tiffany has received numerous nominations for Who’s Awesome over the past two years. In January, Shawnda Mosson, a Palmyra staff member, wrote, “I appreciate the time and energy that Tiffany puts into coming up with all the adult craft ideas. I also appreciate that she allows me to join in on the fun and host craft night here at Palmyra… The participants always have a great time and love the ideas you come up with.”  Another January nomination read, “Tiffany is excellent at making patrons feel welcome. I have seen her interact with users in the reference section and many program attendees. She is pleasant and helpful with each and everyone. Tiffany is awesome.”

In September of 2024, Steven Schifcar, head of maintenance and grounds, wrote, “Tiffany and her husband, Nic, went way above and beyond in getting the soaps to everyone from the Fun Committee laundry detergent fundraiser.”

Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in July were Amanda Applegate, Ellie Tucker-Brown, Nikki Esarey, Shawnda Mosson, Pam Nemeth, Julie Phipps, Heather Rapp, Pat Schwartz, Trevor Smith, Debi Strubler, Brandy Wilkerson and Coby Young.

Article by Alisa Burch, Director

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