Library Staff
Phone: 203-775-6241
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Anita Barney, Library Director | Extension 101
Anita earned her Master’s Degree in Library Science from Southern CT State University in 1980. Prior to becoming director of The Brookfield Library in 2003, she was the Executive Director of the Western CT Library Council. Anita and her husband Carl (a guitar-maker) are ruled by four cats. Anita spends her spare time reading rather than housecleaning, and likes all aspects of gardening except weeding. She enjoys writing her weekly column for the Housatonic Times, and looks forward every year to public embarrassment on the library’s float in the Memorial Day parade.
Debbie Brooks, Administrative Assistant
Debbie wears many hats including those of Mom, part-time preschool Teacher Assistant and as our library’s Administrative Assistant. Debbie is a graduate of Manhattanville College and has lived in Brookfield for 14 years. She is very involved in the schools and community with her husband, Mike, and their three children.
Dawn Cioffi, Technical Services
When she is not transporting her daughter to the dance studio, or her son to the field or gym, Dawn enjoys spending time cooking for her family, paper crafting with her friends, watching football and NASCAR with anyone, and reading by herself. Her favorite genre is fiction. She and her family recently rescued a handsome yellow Lab mix named Rowan, who is keeping them all very busy!
Donna Crane, Children’s Assistant | Extension 105
When Donna isn’t at the library doing crafts, you can usually find her curled up with a good fiction or mystery book. If her kids find her first, she is usually at the cheerleading gym with her girls or football field with her son, cheering them on. In 2000, Donna received her Master’s Degree in Publishing from Pace University in New York City.
Jennifer Doyon, Information Technology/Teen Librarian | Extension 115
If she has her way, you will find Jennifer at a concert, movie, designing a website, or reading mystery or teen fiction. She also enjoys anything cat-related, watching NFL football (Go Bills!), and spending time with her friends and family. Jennifer received her Master’s Degree in Library Science from Clarion University of PA in 2003. She has also worked at libraries in Pennsylvania and New York.
Soma Mitra, Circulation Assistant
Soma likes reading mysteries and travel books. Soccer is her sport of choice, and she especially enjoys watching her kids play. When not at the library, she likes to try out new dishes and search for different recipes. Her favorite cuisines are Chinese and Italian. Soma has a B.A. degree in English Literature and a M.A. in English Literature. She is also recently completed her Master’s Degree in Library Science.
Elizabeth Oedel, Reference Librarian | Extension 103Elizabeth enjoys reading, especially nonfiction in a variety of subjects including history, sociology, mountaineering, and biography. She also loves music, and often attends concerts. She previously worked in public libraries in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Elizabeth received her Master’s Degree in Library Science from Simmons College in Boston in 2008.
Mary Proudfoot, Children’s and Community Services Librarian | Extension 104
Mary enjoys gardening and traveling with her husband, Harold. She also loves cats – especially Winston, her British shorthair, and Abbi, a Maine Coon – music, and playing with her grandchildren. She is also a die-hard New York Mets and West Virginia University sports fan.
Sharon Santi, Circulation Assistant
When not working at our library, you may find Sharon reading, watching sports, and going out to lunch. She enjoys baking, musicals, and laughing with family and friends.
Katherine Van Leeuwen, Assistant Director/Adult Services Librarian | Extension 108
Katherine loves reading contemporary fiction & mysteries, and when not curled up with a cat and a good book, enjoys antiquing, walking & biking, warm beaches & spending time with her family. She received her Master’s Degree in Library Science from Southern CT State University in 2002.

Michele Vettorino, Shelver & Summer Reading Program Artist
Michele enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. She loves the beach, gardening, reading, and spending time outdoors.






