Meet The Team

Meet our Book Shop Director

Elaine Penning

Libraries and books have always been an important part of Elaine’s life. She grew up in Buffalo, NY where some of her favorite childhood memories were of going to the neighborhood library and discovering new books to read.

Her love of reading continued throughout her career as a teacher of students with special needs After retiring, volunteering at the library seemed like a natural way to stay involved in the community as well as sharing her love of books.

Over the years, Elaine has enjoyed volunteering in libraries, including serving on the Boards both in Danville and more recently, in Brentwood. Elaine especially enjoys the opportunity to meet people who value our libraries and help support the programs and services they provide.

Meet our President

Mary Ellen Fontana

Mary Ellen was a hospital administrator for 40 years. She joined the board of the Friends of the Brentwood Library to give back to the community by supporting the work of the library, which is integral to Brentwood. Her mother and aunts were all very active library volunteers.

Meet our vice President

Tamara Weber

I’ve always had a love for reading and a strong passion for literacy and early education. As a longtime Discovery Bay resident, I spent countless hours at the Brentwood Library with my children, even back when it was the small building across the street. Those experiences deepened my appreciation for education, literacy, and fostering a growth mindset for all ages. Along with serving as a school board trustee and community advocate, I bring an extensive background in healthcare and management, with strong financial acumen and P&L experience. I value connection, lifelong learning, and ensuring community resources remain welcoming, accessible, and impactful for everyone.

meet our treasurer

Kathy Mount

Kathy has an extensive background in the legal and real estate fields. After 34 years working in the legal field, she switched careers and began working in the real estate sales field. She’s been involved in various Friends groups in several states and California counties for over 20 years. Kathy believes in the necessity of local libraries and what they bring to the whole community and believes the fight needs to go on to encourage libraries to be open and available to all.

meet our director of membership

Madeleine De La Fontaine

Madeleine has enjoyed an extensive career as an educator. After teaching for many years, she became an administrator, serving as principal in three elementary schools. After she retired, she and her husband moved to Brentwood where they have lived for ten years. She has enjoyed being a member of the Friends of the Brentwood Library, volunteering in the Second Story Book Shop, working at several book sales and getting to know so many highly dedicated volunteers.

Madeleine has always loved libraries. She grew up in a small town and every Saturday, she would walk to the Carnegie library with her sister, to choose a new supply of books. She looks forward to becoming more involved in the work of the Friends’ and to actively promoting our beautiful library and the great variety of services and programs it provides for our community.

Meet our Director of communications/Secretary

Toni Schneider

Toni was one of 5 sisters who grew up in the San Joaquin Valley.

She attended Fresno State University and graduated with Bachelor of Science
in Nursing in 1975. Toni went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Human
Resources and Organizational Development from University of San Francisco in
1988. She spent 46 years working in the health care field in various roles
several of them in management.

Her hobbies include reading, singing, yoga and traveling. Currently, she is
attempting to learn how to paint with watercolors.

Toni also volunteers with the Delta Christian Community Food Pantry
and Saint Vincent de Paul Conference.

meet our director of Publicity

Priscilla Hedlin

Priscilla Hedlin has enjoyed life as a busy stay at home wife and mom for the last 22 years. She and her husband have 3 children.

She and her family moved to Brentwood, from Texas, in 2023.

Priscilla enjoys trying new vineyards with her husband, cuddling with her 5 cats, building her personal library and usually has 3-4 books going at any given time.

She loves giving book recommendations and reads a variety of genres, so don’t be shy. She can definitely help you find your next read.

Meet The Library Commissioner

Linda Sendig

Linda is quite proud of the incredible volunteers working in the bookshop. They bring their life and career experiences to the volunteer team and customers. She loves that our customers benefit from the volunteers’ knowledge of books and authors.