New director of Washington County library system is named

Mary Divine, Pioneer Press
Updated 3 min read
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On Jacqueline Kramer’s favorite school days growing up, her class got to visit the media center at Upsala Area School in central Minnesota.

“I loved reading,” Kramer said. “I looked forward to getting new chapter books every week.”

Kramer’s love of libraries and reading has continued to grow. Last month, the Washington County Board selected her to be the new director of the Washington County Library system. Her first day on the job was Jan. 31.

Kramer, 39, of Elk River, Minn., previously served for six years as assistant director of the Anoka County Library system. Prior to that, she was library manager of the Sweetwater County Library system in Green River, Wyo., and worked as a librarian for the Minnesota Historical Society Library.

While at Anoka County, Kramer helped lead the library system’s strategic planning and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Among her first tasks in Washington County will be updating the library system’s strategic plan, reviewing data from recent community engagement work and leading the library as it identifies its goals and priorities.

“Coming up with a really good targeted plan to serve the needs of the community as they are right now is really my top priority,” she said. “One of the things that drew me here was seeing the innovative work that (Washington County) was doing during the pandemic — curbside service, work around Chromebooks and technology access for patrons. That innovative, forward thinking was exciting to me. The community support for the library also was really appealing.”

Kramer, who will be paid $140,000 a year, will oversee 110 library employees and operations at seven public libraries, three express locations and the Washington County Law Library.

The search for Washington County’s new library director attracted many qualified candidates and included a recruitment process that involved gathering employee feedback and conducting several rounds of panel interviews, said Jennifer Wagenius, deputy Washington County administrator.

“Library staff indicated they prioritized leadership, library experience, collaboration and innovation,” Wagenius said. “I believe Jacquie will serve our libraries well in each of those priority areas.”

The county’s previous library director, Amy Stenftenagel, is now director of Washington County’s property records and taxpayer services division.

Kramer grew up on a farm in Bowlus, Minn., and attended Upsala Area School. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in English in 2006 and received her master’s degree in library and information science from St. Catherine University in St. Paul in 2011. She and her husband, Aaron, have one son.

“Libraries have so many purposes,” Kramer said. “They are a safe, welcoming space. As work has gotten more remote over the past couple of years, libraries have really emerged as a great place to find private space to work. People are utilizing conference rooms and meeting rooms, things like that. It’s nice to see that we can fill that role.”

Libraries also play a key role in promoting early literacy, she said.

“One of the things we focus on is being able to read at grade level by the end of third grade,” she said. “A lot of the programs that we’re doing are to help kids build those skills: talking, reading, writing, playing — all of those things that help kids be ready.”

Kramer’s favorite book is “Love Medicine” by Louise Erdrich. She’s currently reading “Long Bright River” by Liz Moore.

“It’s a mystery thriller about two sisters,” Kramer said. “I don’t want to say anything more because I don’t want to give anything away. Keep them wanting more.”

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