There’s a new face inside the quiet walls of the big gray building on the corner of Fifth Street and Park Avenue. She is soft-spoken and she has a vision of what Hoboken’s Public Library can offer the children in the city.
Ona Gritz, a children’s author living in Hoboken, was hired on Aug. 5 by the city’s Department of Human Services to be the library’s senior librarian-youth services director. In her new role, she will lead a children’s department that has seen a decline in the number of participants. Her first mission is to go to every school and talk to students about the library and, most importantly, reading.
"For some reason, when children hit their teens, they stop coming to the library," Gritz said last week. "We want to bring them back. Our outreach programs will help us recruit young people."
Gritz was born in New York City. She moved to Hoboken in 1993, where she lives with her son. She has written two children’s novels, including Starfish Summer, released in 1998 and published by Harper Collins. She has been a guest lecturer at the mile-square city’s library throughout the years.
The city is renovating the children’s section of the library on the third floor, adding more space for books. Gritz will be in charge of expanding the already large book collection.
"I have a busy schedule ahead of me, but I’m confident I can increase the number of books here and bring more kids," she said, smiling.
Gritz is excited about her new position. She wants to create new reading programs for parents to bring their children to. Her goal is for the children and young adults in the neighborhood to find the library an inviting place for the entire family. The library, according to her, already offers reading programs and books and reference resources for school projects, but she is seeking to create a friendlier environment with a colorful decorating scheme and more personalize attention for the children.
"I love working with kids," she said. "If we offer them new and fresh resources, they’ll come."
Gritz was the top choice among several possible candidates for the position based on her experience as a former librarian at New York City’s Public Library.
"She was perfect for the job," said Library Director Lina Podles. "Ona brings professionalism and experience to us."
Department of Human Services Director Carmelo Garcia said he is excited about having Gritz on board and expects her to expand on and innovate many programs.
"We believe she will be a valuable asset to the team," Garcia said. "The public will benefit immediately. With such changes I expect us to have the best library in the state."
The library is located on 500 Fifth St. It is open Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call the library at 420-2346.