Heather Wyss, Lanesville Makerspace Specialist /Circulation Assistant, is HCPL’s July winner for Who’s Awesome! There were 19 nominations for the honor this month.
Nikki Esarey, Palmyra lead circ associate, nominated Heather writing, “Heather is always so helpful and nice. She printed more escape room stickers for me when I ran out and sent them in transfer. She also saves me cardboard tubes and other recyclables and items to use in my escape rooms. I really appreciate it! Heather is awesome! “
Library Director Alisa Burch nominated Heather last month stating, “I hosted the ILF District 6 Directors Meeting at the Lanesville Branch on June 28 so they could check out HCPL’s new makerspace. Heather did an excellent presentation for the group. She talked about each piece of equipment and how patrons could use it. She planned for the visit weeks ahead and even used the laser engraver to personalize pencils for each attendee. Heather is awesome! “
Heather joined HCPL’s staff in June of 2023 to train and help set up the new Makerspace at the Lanesville Branch which opened to the public on December 1, 2023. She spends the majority of her time teaching and assisting library users with the Makerspace equipment which includes 3-D printers, a large vinyl format printer, a six-needle embroidery machine, a laser engraver, a Cricut, a sewing machine, a Serger, and media conversion equipment. Lanesville coworker Shelley Gulley nominated Heather in December saying, “I have watched Heather work tirelessly to get The Makerspace up and running. (along with Trevor!) When patrons began coming in and even before, she explained what the makerspace was and how it would work and what they needed to do with such enthusiasm. When I used the laser engraver she showed a lot of patience to me and I truly appreciated it. She is a wonderful asset to HCPL! “
In November, Youth Services Manager Eden Ransdell had this to say about Heather, “Heather is doing an amazing job at the Makerspace! She showed me how to make custom genre labels for the library as well as 3-D printing and etching, and helped Nikki work on crafts for the puppet show. “ Heather’s supervisor, IT Head Jessica Stroud said, “Heather continually strives to expand her skills and knowledge of makerspace equipment, especially in embroidering, most recently. She is always ready and willing to accept creative challenges and assist others.”
Each month a winner is selected by random drawing. Other staff members nominated in July include: Vonny Adams, Ann Allen, Amanda Applegate, Nikki Esarey, Kathy Fisher, Lisa Griffith, Debbie McClanahan, Shawnda Mosson, Eden Ransdell, Pat Schwartz, Trevor Smith, Leo Stiner, Jessica Stroud, Tiffany Thieneman and Savannah Wallace.
Article by Alisa Burch, Director
