Malibu Library has welcomed Lauren Kratz as its new children’s librarian. Kratz has worked as a children’s librarian in public libraries for more than seven years. She was born and raised in Queens, N.Y., where her first job was shelving books at her local public library. She attended Hunter College in New York City, during which time she worked as a camp counselor and tutor. Kratz explained that one of her most rewarding and memorable jobs was working as a nanny to a 10-month-old baby to pay for graduate school.
After Kratz received a master’s degree in library science, she was hired by the New York Public Library to work as a children’s librarian at the Mott Haven Branch in the South Bronx. During her time there, Kratz created children’s programs for all ages, from babies to 13-year-olds, and partnered with the 11 schools and eight daycares in the area. Kratz then moved to Los Angeles to experience working and living in new surroundings.