Staff Talents

It takes a special sort of person to work in a library. A dash of creativity is essential, and if it isn’t a characteristic one comes by naturally, something about being surrounded by works of literature and art certainly seems to have an influence on OPL employees. Perhaps, too, the library is a place that attracts individuals with various artistic talents. This is one explanation as to why OPL has so many gifted artists on staff! For several OPL employees, work at the library is complemented by other creative endeavors. Samantha Stock, library aide at Milton R. Abrahams Branch, is a photographer; John Carlotto, adult services librarian at Milton R. Abrahams Branch, is a saxophonist; and Kelsey Schwenker, library aide at Millard Branch, is a ballerina!

Samantha Stock
“I grew up in a family that always had a camera or two around the house to make sure our memories were well documented. As I got older, I learned that I love not just documenting memories but creating artistic photographs that are candid and natural. I really started to invest in my photography business when I discovered that there is so much inspiration in capturing the natural light in people. I love that there’s always more to learn and more stories to capture!”

John Carlotto
“I’ve been playing the saxophone professionally since 1973 when I was in the army band at Fort Ord, California. After the military, I studied music in college, eventually getting my master’s degree in 1989 from the University of Northern Colorado. I enjoy the occasional opportunities I get to perform with a variety of groups in the Omaha area.”

Kelsey Schwenke
“My passion is dance and that is why my ‘day job’ is being a company member with Ballet Nebraska. There is something magical about conveying stories and emotions with just movement. I moved to Omaha after graduating from college with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in ballet performance and have been dancing here for six years. Being that arts aren’t always the most lucrative, I am so fortunate to have found my ‘second job’ here at the library. I knew I wanted to find something else that I felt as strongly about to complement my life. Thanks OPL!”