Northeast Ohio Regional Library System

Kudos to Mary Anne Russo of Hubbard Public Library!

Mary Anne Russo, MLS has served as the Children’s Librarian and Supervisor of Youth Services at Hubbard Public Library (HPL) in Hubbard, Ohio since May 1988. Under Mrs. Russo’s innovative and inventive leadership, the Children’s Room at HPL provides a wide and diverse range of resources, programs activities and opportunities for children to experience joys and advantages of literacy and reading, and the excitement of discovery and imagination. She is also a talented and dedicated proponent and creator of intergenerational programs that involve children, their families/caregivers and residents from a local Senior Care facility (Elmwood).

One exemplary program is her creation of an intergenerational Book Group, “Reading Pals.” This program is a beautiful collaboration between HPL and Elmwood. Mrs. Russo’s vision when she developed this program was to establish and nurture meaningful interactions among participants, that is, the children, families and the senior residents from Elmwood. This remarkable program has been offered in summers since 2022, and is a huge success. Participants read books that they can keep, and participate in activities related to each, including artwork, as well. The success and impact of this program can be illustrated by feedback from participants; for example, a parent noted that positive aspects included engendering “…the character traits of kindness, empathy, patience and respect.”

Other tributes to this program include recognition of this “Reading Pals” program and collaboration by receiving an Honorable Mention in the 2024 “I Partner with My Public Library Award.” And, very notably, Mrs. Russo wrote an article on this amazing program which was accepted by the journal, “School Library Journal.” The article entitled “Book Joy with Elders” appeared in the November 2024 issue of this international journal, and is available to read here. The article includes details on the program which would encourage and facilitate replication of the program at other libraries. In closing, additional Kudos and Bravos to Mrs. Russo as she was the winner of 2024 NEO-RLS Award, a wonderful tribute to her excellence and leadership as a librarian.