New Washington County Library director talks job, future goals

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

Jacqueline Kramer recently began a new chapter in her library leadership career.

The Morrison County native became Washington County Library director at the end of January and has spent the past few weeks settling into the job, meeting library and county staff and visiting the eight library branch locations. She’s also joined the process of developing Washington County Library’s new strategic plan and learning about services the communities need.

Kramer graduated from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis with a bachelor’s degree in English in 2006. She later earned her master’s degree in library and information science in 2011 from St. Catherine University in St. Paul.

Press Publications caught up with Kramer to learn more about her new position and what she’s looking forward to doing in the role. The interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Q: What interested you in the library director role and in pursuing work in the library science field in general?

Kramer: I have been working in libraries for over 15 years with more than 10 of those years in a leadership role. I enjoy strategic planning and working collaboratively with staff, community members and organizations to find the best ways to serve our community. Library science is a service profession. Library workers specialize in information service — which includes many things. Libraries help people, whether that is finding their next good read, learning how to use a computer, finding a safe space or developing and nurturing reading skills in kids. Libraries offer so much that can improve people’s lives.

Q: Do you primarily work out of one library or central office in the county, or do you travel to different libraries as part of the job?

Kramer: My office is located under-