When I started as Youth Services Manager at Manitowoc Public Library a few weeks ago, I was already pretty familiar with the city. In addition to being a librarian, I have been a longtime freelance writer, and I’ve written many articles on local businesses including PetSkull Brewery, The Wharf, and the Dead and Breakfast (my favorite!). So I was excited to work in this vibrant city!
Growing up in Milwaukee, I was a regular visitor to my local Milwaukee Public Library branch, so it was very exciting to start my library career—many years ago!—in that very library system. I have a degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville (Go Pioneers!), and after working for many years in journalism and editing, I earned my Master’s in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison; I’ve spent the last twelve years as Youth Services Librarian at Brown County Library in Green Bay.
My biggest passion is advancing early literacy—it’s never too early to read to your child!—as well as community collaboration and outreach. As societies advance and demographics change, libraries must evolve to meet people where they are—whether that be parks and schools, laundromats or lakefronts. Especially in these post-pandemic days, it’s important to bring the value of books, literacy, and digital equity to all. I look forward to working with the team at MPL to expand that reach.
Combining my shared love of writing and librarianship, I’m starting my 21st year as editor of Children and Libraries magazine, a national publication of the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.
But that’s just my professional self. I’m an avid collector of vintage Valentines, vintage toys, and all things Maurice Sendak—author of the beloved book Where the Wild Things Are. I own almost all his books—most as first editions—and have done a deep dive into researching the iconic author, writing my library school thesis on his illustrations. Some of my other favorite children’s books authors are Kate DiCamillo, Miranda Paul and Mac Barnett.
Things you’ll always find at my desk? Iced tea, Sour Patch Kids, inspirational quotes, hand cream and pictures of my family—including my husband, daughter and beloved late father. In my free time, I enjoy reading (of course!) and regular jaunts to Door County.