Library welcomes Melaina Maraldi, new Children’s Services Manager

The Library is excited to welcome Melaina Maraldi as the new Children’s Services Manager. Melaina comes to the library with nearly 10 years of library experience, most recently at Highland Park Public Library where she was a children’s librarian. She holds a Masters in Library and Information Sciences from San Jose State University, as well as a BA in English from Kalamazoo College.

Get to know more about Melaina by reading our interview with her:

What led to your love of libraries? 

I grew up in Chicago and loved to read, so my mom took me to every library the city had to offer. I also loved my grade school librarian who used to curate her collection development to keep up with my voracious reading. I spent a lot of time in libraries during my youth, so libraries have always felt like another home to me.

What are some of your favorite books? 

Some of my favorites are Anne of Green Gables, Pride and Prejudice, The Poet X, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series,  anything by Louise Erdrich, and Frog and Toad. I have also recently really enjoyed The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne, Amari and the Night Brothers, and Crying in H Mart. My favorite genre is mystery.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? 

I love cooking, thrifting, traveling (especially to visit my daughter who is studying in Paris), hiking, and of course, reading.

Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

I speak Italian, have lived in Italy, and love all things vintage.

What are you looking forward to about working at River Forest Library? 

River Forest is an amazing place, and I am so excited to have the opportunity to be working with the community’s youngest patrons and their families!

Please join us in welcoming Melaina to the Library!