Meet our Staff

Nyama Y. Reed, Library Director
Hello, I’m Nyama the Library Director. I joined the Whitefish Bay Public Library team in 2014, after 3 years at the Weyenberg Library of Mequon-Thiensville as a manager and 7 years at Flint Public Library as a reference librarian. I love working on spreadsheets of the budget and library statistics. Seriously, I do. It’s my bliss! When not at work, I do my best to keep my son busy and happy, including reading Elephant and Piggie books together. When left to my own reading time, I enjoy biographies, non-fiction, Grisham-esque page turners, and heart-string-tugging book-club books.







Theresa Hoge, Circulation Supervisor
I re-joined the staff at the Whitefish Bay Public Library in August of 2018 as the Head of Circulation Services. From 2008 through 2013, I enjoyed working with our patrons as a Circulation Assistant. I and my family have been avid users and supporters of the Whitefish Bay Library during the 25+ years we’ve lived in this community. A few of my favorite books include ‘The Night Circus’ by Erin Morgenstern, ‘The Shadow of the Wind’ by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, and ‘A constellation of vital phenomena’ by Anthony Marra. I’m also a big fan of all of the Harry Potter books by JK Rowling , and also science fiction series by authors such as Patrick Rothfuss, George R.R. Martin, and Michael J. Sullivan.





Scott Lenski, Community & Adult Services Librarian
I’ve been at the Whitefish Bay Public Library since 2012. I plan most of the adult programming, update the website and do the library’s social media. I love to read a little bit of everything, from literary fiction to mystery, and sci-fi to nonfiction books about science. Some of my favorite authors are John Irving, Dennis Lehane, Tana French, Meg Wolitzer, and John Scalzi.






Katie Kiekhaefer, Head of Youth Services
I’ve been the Head of Youth Services at the Whitefish Bay Public Library since 2013, but I've been passionate about youth services since a summer spent working at my hometown library with my childhood librarians after college. My favorite aspects of being a youth services librarian are connecting with kids and their families and caregivers, advocating for each child’s reading interests, and creating fun, educational, and innovative programming for all ages. While most of my time is spent reading children’s and young adult literature, I also try to sneak some adult non-fiction, and if I'm not reading, I love listening to music and watching sports.






Ina Margulis, Adult Services Librarian
I joined WFB Library in 1999 and worked in a variety of positions since then. Now I work mainly on the Adult Reference Deskand one of my favorite activities is ordering for the Adult DVD collection and AudioBooks. I also enjoy reading fiction and being a grandma. Some of my favorite authors are Michael Chabon, Tana French, and Elena Ferrante. Always a pleasure to see you in our Library!






Valerie Morris, Youth Services Librarian
I have been at the Whitefish Bay Public Library since March of 2012. Starting my position at this library was a dream come true and my first since finishing my master’s degree in library science in 2001. My joy is in doing storytime and planning arts and science programs for kids. I, of course, enjoy reading as much as my time allows, mostly historical, fantasy/sci-fi, realistic, and classic fiction. Occasionally, I actually get to read a grownup book however most of my reading is children’s and young adult books. When not reading, I enjoy travelling and exploring with my family.






Sharon Nagel, Assistant Librarian
I am new to the Whitefish Bay Public Library, having started as an intern in April of 2018. I am beginning work on my Masters in Library and Information Studies at UWM in September. I am a lifelong reader, and most recently, worked as a Bookseller at an independent bookstore in Milwaukee for 10 years.






Kayla Livingston, Assistant Librarian
I’ve been living in Milwaukee for about a year now having relocated from Sandwich Illinois to attend UWM. I am just getting ready to start my second and final year at UWM. I always have a book on me. I’ll read anything and everything. If I’m not reading I’m writing, gaming, or hanging out with friends. I enjoy encouraging others to read and try books/genres they’ve never tried before.






Sam Spottek, Youth Services Librarian
I have been working in the Youth Services department here at the Whitefish Bay Library since February of 2020. Growing up having a librarian for a grandma, I fell in love with reading and libraries, and I’d always dreamed of working in one. I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to work as a youth services librarian for the Whitefish Bay community, getting to connect with kids and their families as well as work on fun programs and search for exciting new books. I spend a majority of my time reading young adult literature, but I like to sprinkle in graphics novels too! When I’m not reading, I like to tinker with some crafts and watch baseball — Go Brewers!





Laura Reilly, Reference Assistant
Hi! I'm excited to be the new Reference Assistant in Adult Services. I joined the Whitefish Bay Library in 2014 and I worked at the Circulation desk for the last six years. I am also the school librarian at St. Monica Elementary School so it's fun to be "the bridge" between these two communities and see my students smiling faces here at the public library. I enjoy reading both children and adult fiction. Some of my favorites are Rules of Civility, Beartown, A Single Shard and the Penderwicks series. Stop by the Adult Reference desk when you are in the library next, I'm happy to help!




Part Time Staff of the Whitefish Bay Public Library
Kathy, Circulation Assistant – Team member since 2012
Laura, Circulation Assistant – Team member since 2014
Renee, Circulation Assistant – Team member since 2014
Robin, Circulation Assistant – Team member since 2016
Sheila, Circulation Assistant -- Team member since 2018
Betty, Circulation Assistant – Team member since 2020
Lisa, Circulation Assistant – Team member since 2020
Mary, Circulation Assistant - Team member since 2020
Taylor, Circulation Assistant - Team member since 2020