Library People

Are you Library People?
Sharon OlkSelf-taught photographer Sharon Olk isn’t afraid of a challenge. When she decided to focus her artistic talents on photography, she knew where to get started. “I knew ab-solutely nothing about it, so I turned to the library to educate myself.” At the Oshkosh Public Library, Olk found books on composition, cameras and photo software.

Today, she is an accomplished amateur photographer with several awards to her credit. Olk values the opportunity to learn a new skill at her own pace, without having to spend a lot of money. She wants everyone in our community to have access to library services for lifelong learning.

Sharon Olk is one of Oshkosh’s “Library People.” She knows the benefit of having a strong library at the heart of the community. If you value the services provided by the Oshkosh Public Library, tell a friend, a neighbor or a community leader.

Speak up for lifelong learning. Speak up for your library.


Carl Strong

Carl Strong has a lot to be grateful for and he knows it. Beaming with positivity and a new spirituality, the comedian is feeling strong after undergoing heart transplant surgery in 2013.

When Carl isn’t on stage at a comedy club or on a cruise ship, you can often find him at the Oshkosh Public Library, reviewing video of his performances and working with library staff on computer skills that will help him to polish and market his act. He even refers to the library as “the office.”

Carl values the opportunities available to anyone who wants to improve their lives by using the library’s resources, services and staff support. “I don’t think enough people are hip to what’s happening at the library,” he says.

Carl Strong is one of Oshkosh’s “Library People.” He knows the benefit of having a strong library at the heart of the community. If you value the services provided by the Oshkosh Public Library, tell a friend, a neighbor or a community leader.

Speak up for opportunity.  Speak up for your library.


Becky Piechowski

For Becky Piechowski and her two young sons, every day is full of opportunities to learn.  A former teacher, Becky now spends her time with Mason, age 5 and Nolan, age 2. She considers their days at the Oshkosh Public Library to be particularly rich in teachable moments--both educational and social.

Storytime fosters a love of reading and exercises the boys’ listening skills. Playing at the train table or putting on puppet shows develops their imaginations and promotes sharing with other children. Searching for books or DVDs on trains and other favorite topics teaches the boys how to use resources.

The library is Becky’s first choice for books, movies, educational programs and events. She values the library as a place where learning happens at every turn.

Becky Piechowski is one of Oshkosh’s “Library People.” She knows the benefit of having a strong library at the heart of the community. If you value the services provided by the Oshkosh Public Library, tell a friend, a neighbor or a community leader.

Speak up for learning. Speak up for your library.


Peter Allington
Peter Allington wears his love of reading and learning on his sleeve—or more accurately on his T-shirt. An avid reader, he’s proud to wear the T-shirts he earns in the Oshkosh Public Library’s Summer Reading Program for adults.

Peter describes himself as curious; someone who loves to read, explore and learn. He values access to the books, movies and music that enrich his life; exposure to new ideas he experiences at the library; and the strong sense of community he feels when he visits.

Peter Allington is one of Oshkosh’s “Library People.” He knows the benefit of having a strong library at the heart of the community. If you value the services provided by the Oshkosh Public Library, tell a friend, a neighbor or a community leader.

Speak up for discovery. Speak up for your library


Susan Hegedus
Susan Hegedus has been enthusiastic about books since she learned to read words on a page. A life-long library user and retired librarian, Susan is now a volunteer at the Oshkosh Public Library. 

Whether she’s registering a wide-eyed child for the summer reading program, or selecting books for a homebound reader in the library’s Home Delivery Service, Susan knows she is giving back to the community in a meaningful way. She values the passion for reading that she sees at the library and is happy to share it with people of all ages. 

Susan Hegedus is one of Oshkosh’s “Library People.” She knows the benefit of having a strong library at the heart of the community. If you value the services provided by the Oshkosh Public Library, tell a friend, a neighbor, or a community leader.

Speak up for reading. Speak up for your library.