Kristen Armstrong
Baltimore,MD
Summary
Self-motivated and resourceful bookseller and librarian with more than a decade of specialization in literature, library services, and library operations. Has proven success creating a culture of reading, and introducing innovative programming to increase readership and outreach. Employs a collaborative leadership style, partnering with colleagues to drive initiatives.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Librarian II, Children's Services
Enoch Pratt Free Library
12.2024 - Current
- Reads weekly storytimes guided by Every Child Ready To Read practices and plans a wide variety of engaging programs for children and families
- Provides readers advisory services to patrons drawing on a thorough knowledge of classic and modern literature
- Offers excellent customer and reference services to patrons through effective search strategies and thorough knowledge of library and information resources
- Regularly evaluates the branch’s children’s collection and and leads collection development projects; makes title recommendations to book selectors based on the community’s interests and needs
- Partners with schools to promote the library and its resources, as well provide hands-on information-literacy assistance for students in the classroom
Bookseller / Children's Literature Specialist
Wyrd Bookstore
01.2023 - Current
- Assists with title curation and purchasing
- Leads storytime and children’s programming
- Ensures customer satisfaction with knowledgeable service
Lower School Librarian
Severn School
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Led the lower school library program, motivating readers and promoting literacy through interactive storytimes, readers’ advisory, book talks, and exciting reading challenges
- Managed the library’s budget and spending on the print collection, eBooks, digital magazines, and online subscriptions and resources
- Developed and delivered interactive instruction introducing students to vital information literacy and research skills
- Provided engaging professional development sessions for faculty
- Increased diversity in the library collection by 40%
- Coordinated visits with award-winning authors
Librarian I
Anne Arundel County Public Library
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Provided readers advisory services to patrons drawing on a thorough knowledge of classic and modern literature
- Offered reference services to patrons through effective search strategies and thorough knowledge of library and information resources
- Supervised circulation staff holding regular meetings, communicating department and system changes, and observing, coaching, evaluating, and documenting performance
Lower & Middle School Librarian
Capitol Hill Day School
01.2012 - 01.2018
- Established a library and information literacy curriculum for PK-5
- Created a digital literacy curriculum for grades K-8
- Supported faculty with professional development sessions and a monthly book club
Bookseller / Book Club Leader
Hooray for Books
01.2012 - 01.2013
Elementary Librarian
Seaton Elementary School
01.2010 - 01.2012
Education
Master's in Library Science -
Catholic University
Washington, DC01.2010
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI01.2005
Bachelor of Musical Arts - Clarinet Performance
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI01.2005
Skills
- Information literacy
- Readers’ advisory
- Curriculum development
- Educational technology
- Instruction
- Writing & editing
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Workspace
Accomplishments
- Newbery Award Selection Committee Member ALSC, 2023
Affiliations
- American Library Association (ALA)
- Melcher & Bound to Stay Bound Committee Chair, 2020
- ALA’s Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC)
- Newbery Award Selection Committee Member, 2023
- Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA)
- Picture Book Award Committee Member, 2022
- Family Literacy Focus Committee Member, 2020-2022
- Maryland Association for School Librarians (MASL)
- Black-Eyed Susan Book Award Committee Member, 2022
Publications
Breslin, Amy K.; Dahlen, Sarah Park; Kwisnek, Kristen; & Leathersich, Becky. (2021). APALA rubric to evaluate Asian American and Pacific Islander youth literature. https://www.apalaweb.org/talkstorytogether/resources/apala-youth-literature-evaluation-rubric/
Timeline
Librarian II, Children's Services
Enoch Pratt Free Library
12.2024 - Current
Bookseller / Children's Literature Specialist
Wyrd Bookstore
01.2023 - Current
Lower School Librarian
Severn School
01.2019 - 01.2022
Librarian I
Anne Arundel County Public Library
01.2018 - 01.2019
Lower & Middle School Librarian
Capitol Hill Day School
01.2012 - 01.2018
Bookseller / Book Club Leader
Hooray for Books
01.2012 - 01.2013
Elementary Librarian
Seaton Elementary School
01.2010 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Michigan
Bachelor of Musical Arts - Clarinet Performance
University of Michigan
Master's in Library Science -
Catholic University
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