Our Team

Amanda Doherty
Amanda became the Director of the library in January of 2018. Amanda moved to the area in 2008 while she was pregnant with her youngest child, Liam. Amanda and her family, husband Chris, daughter Maggie, and son Liam live in the outskirts of Illiopolis. Amanda grew up in Du Quoin in Southern Illinois. Amanda loves the small-town atmosphere of Mt. Pulaski and has been involved in many committees and activities since moving to town. Currently, Amanda is a member of the Leadership Program through the Association of Rural and Small Libraries, sits on the Membership Committee for ARSL, co-chairs the Mt. Pulaski Holiday Meal Program, is involved in sports boosters, and is very involved in her children’s lives. If you have questions about the library or are nervous about coming in, reach out and talk to Amanda. She wants the library to be a place everyone can enjoy.

Kate Davis
Kate is a transplant to Central Illinois and moved from Du Quoin, Illinois to attend college in 2013. She is a member of city council and has worked at other businesses in town and has attended many events within the community. She and her husband, Mat, settled down in Mt. Pulaski with their two dogs and are very thankful for small town life! She hopes people in the community will take full advantage of all the services the library offers and is looking forward to seeing some new faces.

Sarah Stone
Sarah has lived in Mt. Pulaski for 11 years with her husband Shawn “Bill” and two children, daughter Chloe and son Cail. Sarah joined the library staff in August of 2019 and assists with the teen groups at the library. Coming from a small town herself, she and her family are enjoying everything this community has to offer.  Sarah dove right in being active in her community and school. She is the President of Mount Pulaski Activities Boosters Club, co-chair of the Mt. Pulaski holiday meals, and a member of the Courthouse foundation. You will more than likely find Sarah and her family at a sporting event. Having a very active daughter in our school sports programs has kept her and her family busy year-round.

Abbey Phillips
Abbey grew up in the library. She was involved in library programs from a young age, volunteered for the programs as she grew up, and eventually got a job working in the library. Abbey is the only member of the library staff with her roots firmly in Mt. Pulaski. Abbey recently graduated from Lincoln Land Community College and is attending UIS majoring in Medical Lab Science. Abbey was a lifeguard at the pool for many years. Now in addition to seeing Abbey at the library, you might also catch her at Country Junction in Clinton on the weekends. Abbey loves Starbucks, animals, and nearly always has a smile on her face.

J’Lei Jackson
J’Lei is 16 years old and a junior in high school. She enjoys doing makeup and working with horses. She is currently fixing up an old truck that she purchased with her own money. She has two siblings and 9 pets. She would like to work within the criminal justice field and plans on attending college to accomplish her goals. She likes books and loves working at the library and with her coworkers.