Meet the Staff
Launch the media gallery 1 playerFind more information about library services.
1515 Forest Ave.
Crete, NE 68333
Phone: 402.826.3809
Current library hours:
- Monday and Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday - 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Joy Stevenson - Director
After some time living abroad, I have returned to my Nebraska roots. A graduate of Lincoln East High, I have my undergraduate degree from Colorado State University, and a Masters from the American Graduate School of International Management. I earned my Masters of Library Science from another Big 10 school that shall remain anonymous.
I am an avid reader (of course) and my first love is historical fiction, followed by suspense, contemporary fiction and biographies.
Laura Renker - Assistant Director & Outreach Services Librarian
I served as the youth services librarian for 20 years and in fall 2022 transitioned into a new role with Outreach Services. It was a pleasure to watch the children grow up and to be part of their reading lives.
I enjoy many types of books, but my favorite books are usually historical fiction. One young adult author whose books I especially enjoy is Ruta Sepetys. I read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice every year. Other authors that I like to recommend: Sandra Dallas, Sarah Addison Allen, Joyo Moyes, Liane Moriarty and Barbara Kingsolver. Everyone should read Wonder by R.J. Palacio.
Maridza Vasquez - Youth Services Librarian
I started as the Youth Services Librarian in September 2022. I am a Crete native born and raised. I grew up coming to the library and have fond memories of sitting at the little table in the children’s area with my stack of picture books, reading to my heart’s content. As I grew older my taste in books changed, but my love for reading didn’t. I am fond of psychological thrillers, classics and historical fiction, but am always willing to explore new genres.
In my downtime my husband and I love to travel and explore new cultures, traditions, and foods. I always joke that every vacation we take is really a giant food tour. The goal is to make it to all 50 states, before I turn 50. So far, I’m half way there.
Zoraida Ramos - Librarian
My roots are in Mexico but I was born in California. I met my husband, the love of my life, in Lexington, Nebraska and we have four children, ages ranging from teenagers to adults. As a family, we enjoy various outdoor activities like baseball, softball and camping. On my downtime, I enjoy reading romantic comedies and mystery novels. I also enjoy good wine. Habla español.
Tad Shubert - Technology Librarian
I’m originally from Lexington, Nebraska, but I lived in New Jersey for about 10 years where I taught ESL and studied social work and library science. Now I’m back in Nebraska and excited to have my first library position here at Crete Public Library. I strongly encourage everyone to read more adult nonfiction.
Ashton Kotas - Library Clerk
I grew up around the Crete area and recently moved back because I took a job at Tri County Public Schools teaching 5th grade. Working at the library is a dream come true for me because I get to be surrounded by books at least one day a week, and I get great recommendations from you – the patrons! I enjoy all books, but Harry Potter is by far my favorite series. (I reread the entire series every year.) I enjoy helping everybody, particularly children, find a good book to read - especially those who think they hate reading - because I believe what J.K. Rowling said, "If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book."
Gloria Keck - Library Clerk
I am a new part-time clerk at the library but have been a loyal patron since my family and I moved to Crete over two decades ago. My husband and I have two boys, Zakary and Noah, who both attended UNL. I work full time at the elementary school where I also get to hang out in the library!
I am an avid reader with a passion for books. My favorite genres include horror, science fiction, and suspense. My favorite author is Stephen King. I love to sit down in the evenings with my puppy, Sophie, some hot tea and a really scary book!
Jody Rice - Library Clerk
I was born and raised in Crete. Some of my fondest childhood memories come from the library, and going into the basement to the children’s room. I always loved the summer reading program! As a parent, I made sure that my three children were introduced to books and the library at an early age. I can’t help but believe that this helped them to become the successful adults that they are. After spending 30 years in banking - how ironic it is that now - in my retirement, I am back at one of my favorite places---the library! I am learning quickly that there’s a whole lot more to working at the library than checking books in and out! I couldn’t even begin to pick a favorite genre. Belonging to a book club has helped me discover books that I never would have picked out on my own!