Hi, my name is Ellen Helfrick and I am the Branch Manager at Collinsville Community Library. In September, I celebrated 6 years as part of Team Collinsville. One of my assorted duties is that of Youth Services (A.K.A. Story Lady). Prior to this library, I worked in Youth Services at Glatfelter Memorial Library in Spring Grove, Dover Area Community Library in Dover and Kaltreider-Benfer Library in Red Lion.
I live in Spring Grove and therefore enjoy listening to audiobooks on my commute – it doubles my book consumption. A favorite part of my job is getting to help children become readers and preparing them for school success. I really enjoy book-talking (readers advisory) with readers of all ages, and love to get book and author requests to enhance our collection.
I feel the community has welcomed me warmly and that the families in the area really love and support Collinsville Community Library. Our large and active volunteer and Friends crew really pour their heart into maintaining the ‘community’ aspect of our library and keeping us vibrant, involved and interactive. Typically, my day starts with laps in the pool and ends with a FaceTime or phone call with my grandsons. I enjoy a variety of genres, and look for books to both inform and entertain; Jodi Picoult and Anita Shreve are two of my many preferred authors.
I strive to stay available to all our library members – if I have not met you personally yet, please take the time to introduce yourself!