Staff Shifts in Children’s Department

Debbie Larsen Becomes Full-Time Children’s Librarian 

July 10, 2023 

Life is full of twists and turns, which is especially true for our Children’s Librarian José Cruz. José has been offered an exciting opportunity to pursue a Master’s in Education and will be shifting from full time to part time. While we will miss seeing him as frequently, we wish him the best in this new endeavor. You can still catch story times with José on Saturdays at 11 AM and Pajama Story Times on Mondays in the fall. Check our calendar for details. 

We are thrilled that our very own Debbie Larsen has accepted the full-time Children’s Librarian position. Debbie came to the Library in August 2022 as a part-time children’s services associate. She had taken a hiatus from full-time work in order to spend more time with her family. She is thrilled to once again have the opportunity to work as a full-time librarian at River Fiver Forest Public Library, which she has grown to love in her short time here. 

Debbie has worked with children and adults in both public and school libraries for over 15 years. She has an MLIS from Dominican University. Some of Debbie’s favorite children’s authors include Mo Willems, Mac Barnett, Kate di Camillo, and Jason Reynolds; she also enjoys reading mysteries and realistic fiction. In her spare time, Debbie enjoys gardening, watching movies, and traveling with her family.  

When she’s not doing community outreach or working on the Children’s collections, you’ll find Debbie at the Children’s Room service desk or leading many story times. Please join us in welcoming Debbie to her new role.