Meet the Staff

Goddard Library
Oct 1
6 min read

At the Goddard Public Library, we may have a small staff, but we sure are mighty! Each of the year-round staff members at the library are committed to providing the best possible service we can to our community. You may have become familiar with the faces that greet you upon arrival at the library, but have you ever wondered who they are? In this post, we truly take a look Behind the Stacks at GPL to learn more about the staff serving you!

Hi, I'm Carrie! I am a proud Bethany College graduate, beginning my career in early childhood education, a foundation that continues to influence my approach to library services. My passion is nurturing young minds through every story time, program, and community initiative that I lead. I believe libraries are for everyone - from the littlest learners to lifelong readers.

In my office, you will quickly spot the Snoopy memorabilia. From vintage finds to office decor, my love for Snoopy adds a fun and whimsical touch to the library atmosphere.

Outside of work, I am a dedicated wife to Chad and proud mom to Zachary and Jorja. I love cheering them on from the sidelines, planning family adventures, or simply enjoying a cozy evening with a good book.

My all-time favorite book is Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. I love the novel's haunting atmosphere, unforgettable characters, and the way it masterfully blends mystery, romance, and suspense.

I love reading all types of books, but I am especially drawn to historical fiction, where rich storytelling brings the past to life in vivid detail. I enjoy how the genre blends real-world events with compelling characters, offering both escape and insight into different eras.

I enjoy watching Dateline and 48 Hours. I am captivated by their real-life mysteries and investigative storytelling. I find the twists and turns of true crime fascinating and thought-provoking.

When it comes to music, I listen to everything! From pop and country to classic rock and show tunes, I enjoy a little bit of every genre depending on my mood.

Peggy Grunwald - Library Assistant

Hello, my name is Peggy! Outside of work My husband, Elek, and I love spending time with family and friends. I like going to the movies, but I also just enjoy a quiet evening at home with my husband, our daughter, Heidi, and our French Bulldog, Leo. I like going to Bingo, and enjoy hosting a Bunco group with family and friends, as well as going to the casino.

My favorite characters are the Minions, Mater from Cars, and Scooby-Doo. I love what I do at my job!

My favorite book is Twenty Years Later by Charlie Donlea. It keeps you on edge. When you think you’ve guessed the ending, you better keep guessing!

I enjoy fiction and mystery books best. I like when the mysteries keep you guessing right up to the end, like Twenty Years Later.

I love watching Supernatural, Tracker, and Only Murders in the Building. I enjoy suspenseful shows with great characters and some good humor.

My favorite music genres are country and easy rock and roll.

Hi, my name is Nicole! I was born in Wichita and moved to Goddard in first grade. My current goal is to complete my bachelors in psychology and then go on to obtain my masters in library science. I am part of our teen/pre-teen services team at the library and I hope to become a children’s librarian some day. I like dogs more than I do most people and am the proud mama to a little mutt named Penelope. I absolutely love working at the Goddard Library and getting to know and help the members of our community!

My favorite book is Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. I never would have picked a dragon fantasy book for myself, but Debra, our library aide, recommended this title to me and I immediately fell in love. I am (not so) patiently awaiting the announcement of book four.

I’m not sure I truly have a favorite genre. I have been enjoying some good fantasy series lately as well as general romance. I love a good autobiography every now and then to switch things up.

My favorite TV show is by far Criminal Minds. I have watched the series probably three times, and now I like to just go back and pick a season here and there to rewatch. My family loves to watch Ghost Adventures when we just need an evening to do nothing and relax.

My favorite artist is a trio from the United Kingdom called Tors. Their music is in the Indie Folk genre, as is a lot of the music I listen to. I also enjoy One Direction, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and the occasional Taylor Swift.

Nicole Judd - Communications Specialist

Hi, I'm Debra! I graduated from Wichita State with Bachelors in both Psychology and Exercise Science. Outside of the library, I am currently the Front Office Manager for Harter Physical Therapy and the color guard coach for both Goddard Middle and High School.

I was born and raised in Goddard and was a frequent library patron growing up. I always enjoyed coming in and checking out the newest junior fiction or young adult books, as well as participating in the summer reading programs. You will often find me at the after hours library events and programs. I am part of our teen/pre-teen services team and am dedicated to making the library a fun, safe, and inclusive space for all patrons.

I could never pick just one favorite book - but of my recent reads, I really enjoyed “Funny Story” by Emily Henry. I love the way she brings her characters to life with sharp humor, emotional depth, and just the right amount of romantic tension. Bonus is that the female main character is a librarian!

When it comes to reading, the genres I tend to gravitate towards are rom-com and romantasy. Romantasy books can sweep you up in magical worlds filled with fierce heroines, brooding love interests, and high-stakes adventures. Romantic comedies have the best banter and there’s something so comforting about stories that make you laugh, swoon, and believe in happy endings.

I’m more of a binge-reader than a binge-watcher. When I do watch TV, it’s usually something light and feel-good (bonus points if it’s book-related). The last thing I watched was “The Summer I Turned Pretty” on Amazon Prime.

I truly enjoy a little bit of everything when it comes to music, but I can definitely be considered a Swiftie - Taylor is always on my playlist. Her music can fit pretty much any mood, especially reading moods!

Hello, this is Nicole! When I’m not playing matchmaker between people and their next favorite book at the library, I am also a para over at Discovery. I’m always seeking out delicious new places to eat. I’ve also been known to grab a microphone with my incredible friends and belt out a tune or two at karaoke.

One of my favorite modern books is T.J. Klune’s “The House in the Cerulean Sea,” which is a book that feels less like a story and more like a warm hug on a cold day.

When it comes to books, I gravitate toward the two great tapestries of the human imagination: one woven with the golden threads of history and other with the iridescent silver of fantasy.

My top shows are Wednesday, The Summer I Turned Pretty, and Motorheads.

My playlists are a wild ride, jumping from modern pop to an edgy alternative rock and then straight into a rap beat. I guess you could say my musical taste has a serious case of commitment issues.

Hello there, I am Becky! I am a semi-retired middle school teacher. I love meeting and connecting with new people. Vegetable gardening is my favorite thing to do in the spring, summer, and fall, but winter time is for puzzles! And, of course, I love to read no matter the season!

Some of my favorite books are by Tessa Afshar, especially The Queen’s Cook, The Hidden Prince, and Pearl in the Sand. Her storytelling always inspires me.

I’ve always been drawn to historical fiction. I love how it blends real history with captivating stories, helping me imagine what life was like in different times and places. A well-written historical novel lets me escape into the past while still connecting with timeless human experiences

I enjoy watching High Potential for its storytelling and unique characters as it’s such a fun mix of humor and mystery. I also love America’s Got Talent. It’s always inspiring to see so many people share their passions and creativity on stage. It’s a show that never fails to make me smile!

I really enjoy Contemporary Christian music. The lyrics are meaningful and uplifting, and the music itself brings a lot of joy. One of my favorite things is singing with the praise team at church, it’s such a special way to connect through music and faith.

We hope this helped you get to know your library staff a little bit better. We can't wait to see and get to know you better in the library - let us know if we have anything in common with you!