Volunteer Spotlight - Nicole

Our library runs on heart and helping hands. Get to know the remarkable volunteers who give their time, energy, and passion to support our library system.

Nicole has made a big impact in the short time she's volunteered with Friends of the Wichita Public Library. Since September 2025, she's been offering her graphic design skills to help with various projects. And she's the talent behind the new window cling that now makes it easier to identify the used bookstore at the Advanced Learning Library.

FWPL Book Sales Manager Britten Kuckelman originally recruited Nicole to help sort donated children's books. A talented graphic designer/artist, Nicole noticed the bookstore would benefit from updated branded signage and volunteered to design bookmarks and printed signs for the bookstore.

The new bookstore window cling has been one of her biggest FWPL projects to date. Originally, she was asked to produce a simple design with text to help differentiate the bookstore from other areas of the library. Nicole decided to go bigger and to expand on the idea of a unique branded look that would visually stand out and attract more customers.

"It was an opportunity to work basically without any boundaries, so it was fun coming up with different ideas for what could end up on the windows," Nicole said. "I'm glad we ended up with the design that was voted in by the Board. It's pretty bold and eye-catching."

What other graphic design projects are you developing for FWPL?

We’re currently working on new sticker designs and t-shirt ideas.

What made you decide to become involved with FWPL?

I've been looking for some way to volunteer in an environment that was suited to me, and this was perfect!

What's your favorite genre when shopping for a book to read?

I love a good fantasy or rom-com! Some favorites are Holly Black's Cruel Prince series, Heather Fawcett's "Encyclopedia of Faeries," Harry Potter, Meg Shaffer's "The Wishing Game," and Melissa Ferguson's "How to Plot a Payback."

What are you currently reading?

I almost exclusively listen to audiobooks (on 2x speed, I know, I'm crazy!), so I've usually got multiple books I'm reading. Currently on my digital shelf are M.L. Wang's "Blood Over Bright Haven" and Katherine Center's "Hello Stranger."

Favorite book you've found in our used bookstore or at a recent sale?

So far, I've mostly found children's books for my nephew who's almost two years old.

Why should someone become a member of FWPL?

There's always room for more books, and what better way to get them than find them at a great price, that also helps with recycling.

What FWPL event are you looking forward to in 2026?

I don't know about many events besides the Book Sales, but I do think those are a fun time. After every sale, our sorting space is freed up!

Do you belong to a book club?

I don't. But I've thought about it.