Muhlenberg County Public Libraries is proud to name Clarissa Benson and Zane Wooldridge as Kid Librarians for January 2026.
Kid Librarians are chosen monthly to design a juvenile display at the library. Each Kid Librarian may choose a theme for their display, select library materials to highlight and decide how to organize and best show off the chosen titles. New Kid Librarians are selected each month for each library branch (Harbin Memorial and Central City).
Chosen Kid Librarians are acknowledged inside the library with a sign next to their display, as well as being recognized in the local newspapers and on the library’s website and social media accounts.
Central City’s Kid Librarian for January 2026 is 9-year-old Clarissa Benson. Clarissa is in fourth grade. Clarissa enjoys reading adventure books, like the I Survived series. However, she doesn’t stick just to that genre; she loves the variety of books available at the library. “They let you experience stories in your mind,” she said. Her favorite books are actually those by Dr. Seuss, especially The Cat in the Hat because it’s so funny. Clarissa particularly appreciates picture books like the ones written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss because she is an aspiring artist herself. She said, “I love making beautiful, colorful things.” Her talents include drawing and coloring, and she hopes to continue creating art as an adult, either with the visual arts or possibly even in the kitchen. Clarissa enjoys baking and hasn’t decided which job, artist or baker, she wants most. She is also a talented dancer.
Zane Wooldridge is Harbin Memorial’s Kid Librarian for January. Zane is 9 years old and is in third grade. Zane has a wide variety of interests. His favorite school subjects are ones in the STEM category, like science and math, but he also enjoys learning about history. He said, “My friends at school call me the ‘history guy’ because I love history.” His favorite book genre, historical fiction, reflects that choice, but, like Clarissa, Zane doesn’t limit himself to just one genre. His favorite books are actually the Wings of Fire fantasy series by Tui T. Sutherland. “I can connect with the characters, and I like the action,” he explained. He added that he also appreciates that the library has a large variety of books to choose from, and he is open to suggestions for his next read. On top of all the other subjects he enjoys, Zane also has an interest in art; he hopes to eventually work for his family business doing artwork and etching.
Kid Librarian displays are available at their respective library branches each month. They are removed the following month to make space for the next set of chosen Kid Librarians.
New Kid Librarians are chosen for each library branch early each month.
The Kid Librarian program is designed for children and teens in third through eighth grade, though applications are accepted from all kids and teens in a similar age range. Applications are available at the front desk of each library branch.
For more information about the Kid Librarian program, contact Muhlenberg County Public Libraries at 270-338-4760 or stop by to fill out an application.
Clarissa Benson
(display at Central City)
