Muhlenberg County Public Libraries is proud to name Willow Penrod and Laine Barbre as Kid Librarians for November 2025.
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.
Willow Penrod is Harbin Memorial’s Kid Librarian for November. Willow, 14, is in ninth grade. She is interested in a variety of topics – American history is her favorite school subject, but romance is her favorite book genre and Melissa de la Cruz her favorite author. In terms of specific books, however, The Silver Chair from The Chronicles of Narnia series is her favorite. “I can relate to Jill’s struggles throughout the book,” Willow explained, “and Puddleglum is HILARIOUS.” Willow is a fan of books in general, though, and the library, which she praises for being organized and having friendly, helpful staff. She has even thought about being a librarian herself when she grows up, or a stay-at-home mom, another fitting job for her since she excels at babysitting. Willow also has a talent for singing.
Central City’s Kid Librarian for November 2025 is Laine Barbre. Laine is 8 years old and in third grade. She enjoys learning about science-related topics; that’s her favorite subject in school. “You get to do all kinds of experiments!” she said. Laine’s future plans include becoming a paleontologist. She said, “I actually have a whole list, but that’s at the top.” She wants to learn about animals that we no longer have around in the world; in fact, she has already developed a talent for making a sound like a dodo bird. Laine’s interest in science also extends into her book choices. Her favorite book is Survivors: Red Moon Rising from the Survivors series by Erin Hunter because she is intrigued by the phenomenon of the blood moon and appreciate the author including it. Laine also enjoys the rest of the Survivors series, as well as other action-adventure books, and she loves coming to the library because she can check out those books and spend time coloring, another activity she enjoys.
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. Due to additional community activities, space constraints, closed dates and potential weather issues, we will not have Kid Librarians for December. The program will resume in January.
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.
Willow Penrod
(display at Harbin Memorial)
