The Kid Librarian program began with a simple but powerful idea. Morgan Esterhuizen, Youth Services Librarian at Radford Public Library, wanted upper-elementary kids to feel that the library truly belonged to them. “I began this program because I wanted older children to feel a sense of ownership in the library and children’s section,” she explains.
Kid Librarians create a book display filled with their favorite books in a designated display space in the children’s area. Once they pull their favorites from the shelf, they go behind the circulation desk to scan them into the library’s computer system and help create their own display sign. During the appointment, Kid Librarians also receive their own special nametag as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of the library workroom.
Drawing on her past as an elementary educator, Morgan’s innovative approach to middle-grade engagement caught the attention of the American Library Association, and in December 2023, she shared her model with the broader library community through a how-to article on Programming Librarian.
That article made its way to Beth Newman, a fellow former teacher and Assistant Branch Manager at Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library’s Blacksburg branch, who embraced the concept wholeheartedly. The program was a natural fit for Beth, who had always loved working with this age group. Its success was immediate; within days of opening applications, an eighteen-month waiting list had already been formed.
Kid Librarian Adaline
Soon, Blacksburg’s Kid Librarian program found an audience far beyond the small college town. Social media posts featuring the program circulated globally, drawing inquiries from librarians as far away as Australia and as close as next door, all eager to launch programs of their own.
One of those inspired librarians was Beka Castagna. Beka is a former Circulation Specialist at Blacksburg Library and keeps up with current happenings via their Facebook page. Now a librarian at Chesterfield Public Library’s Clover Hill branch, Beka loves seeing Blacksburg Library’s Kid Librarian Facebook posts, as the kids are always smiling from ear to ear in front of their display. Beth kindly shared tips, tricks, and materials with Beka so she could start her own program at Clover Hill Library.
Since launching the program in January 2026, Clover Hill Library has had over ten Kid Librarians create fantastic book displays personalized with their most beloved books. The program was an instant hit, and applications to Kid Librarian increased after Chesterfield Public Library’s blog post about the program. Due to popularity, applications are now only open sporadically throughout the year.
Kid Librarian Tanakorn
“I chose the books I chose, because I love dragons and other magical creatures. I picked some of my favorite books about them for the display,” said Adaline, a Kid Librarian.
For Beka, the most rewarding part of the Kid Librarian program is connecting with tween readers. “They love reading, and it is still an important part of their life at this age. My hope is that this program helps them to continue to hold on to their love of reading and the library as they grow into teenagers and young adults,” she says. “It may be a long shot, but I would love for this program to help inspire a Kid Librarian to become a real librarian someday.”
Kid Librarians and their parents have been vocal about their love of the library and the Kid Librarian program. “Libraries are important to me because they give you free access to lots of books,” said Lucy, a Kid Librarian.
Jenny Ellis, a Librarian at Chesterfield Public Library’s North Courthouse Road Library, recently launched the Kid Librarian program at her branch.
Increasing services and programs for tweens is a goal of the North Courthouse Road Library. When a manager at Clover Hill Library shared information about the program and its success, Jenny knew it was meant to be. The first Kid Librarian display went up at the end of April, and they received seven applications in the first week.
Feedback from Kid Librarians and their parents has been extremely positive. The tweens’ favorite parts include choosing books, pushing the cart, and scanning the books. Parents appreciate the early exposure to career investigation and fostering their children’s love of books and reading. Both ask – when can we do it again?
The Kid Librarian program allows librarians to further build connections with their customers and communities. During the appointments, librarians are able to have conversations with tweens and their parents about literacy, library services, and librarianship. This program has increased these heartwarming and informative interactions for librarians. “It is a great way to have longer conversations with tweens to learn what books they are interested in and what other library programs they may want to see in the future,” Beka explains. The happiness the library staff see on Kid Librarian’s faces while creating their displays has become a new highlight of the job.
Kid Librarian Lucy
The Kid Librarians programs at Radford Public Library and Blacksburg Library are still going strong, even after launching several years ago. “It’s been popular since our program launch, and I always have a full box of names to draw from!” says Morgan.
Kid Librarian applications are open for kids ages 8-12, and younger siblings who don’t reach the age requirement are already anxious to submit their Kid Librarian applications when they are older. The future of the Kid Librarian program looks very bright.
CONTRIBUTORS: Morgan Esterhuizen, Radford Public Library; Beth Newman, Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library; Beka Castagna, Chesterfield Public Library; Jenny Ellis, Chesterfield Public Library
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Jackie Downs, Chesterfield Public Library
