STAFF

Donna Techau, Director

Donna was hired in October of 2020 and comes to us with a background studying and teaching philosophy, theology, and postcolonial and feminist theories at the graduate level, management experience at an educational technology firm, and years in cardiac nursing. She was the Assistant Director of the Ethics Center at the Seminary at Northwestern University and she now has a small hobby farm (chickens, fruit trees, garden) in Paradise, IL.

Her favorite authors are Flannery O'Connor, Toni Morrison, and John Irving. Novels with theological themes and magical thinking capture her attention and imagination. She also loves a good near-future science fiction novel and post-apocalyptic literature.

For a fun conversation, ask her about her childhood in the jungles of Papua New Guinea.

Linda Hammond

"I have lived in Piatt County all my life and graduated from DeLand-Weldon High School. My Husband and I have lived in Monticello since Dec. 1963. We have 2 children, a son and a daughter; neither have ever been married. I enjoy spending time with them since they both have moved back from Colorado in 2012. John and I enjoy eating out, going to Clinton Lake since he enjoys fishing, and both of us are active in our church."

Linda says, "My favorite author is Karen Kingsbury. My favorite series that she wrote is the Baxter series. It portrays the struggles and triumphs in the everyday lives of the Baxters and how we can relate. I have read many books I have liked from this library the past 28 years."

For an interesting conversation, ask Linda about knitting. She has a variety of interests such as reading, word search puzzles, sewing, and playing the accordion.

Katie Triplett

"I am the Student Engagement Advocate at Leal Elementary in Urbana Illinois and am serving as the Children's Programming Coordinator for Bement Public Library.

I grew up in Monticello and am happy to be back in the area after living in Urbana for so long. I love reading, writing, spending time outdoors and spending time with my family. I am a mother of 7 kids: 1 at the U of I, 1 at SIU-Carbondale, 1 at BHS, 2 at BMS and 2 at Bement elementary."

For an interesting conversation ask Katie about one of her favorite hobbies--antiquing. She is always up for an adventure!

Bruce Nesset

"My hobbies include woodworking, photography, and collecting ancient coins (Roman, Greek, and others from pre-600 AD.). I'm also interested in astronomy. "

Bruce says, "I read mostly mystery and fantasy fiction."

For a fun conversation, ask Bruce about his degree in Bio-Oceanography.

Lois Wildman

"I grew up in Decatur, and met Jim on a blind date. We have 5 children, 10 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren (on the way). We moved to Bement in January of 1977 and opened a restaurant (The Rooster Inn). After 32 years we retired. I still miss the people (we made many friends) but not the long hours and hard work."

Lois doesn't really have a favorite author or book. "I do enjoy John Grisham, Ken Follett, and Harlan Coben. While browsing the library shelves I found books by Petra Durst Benning and Ellen Marie Wiseman which I really enjoyed."