Confession: ever since we set foot in the young adult department at the Cambridge Public Library and casually asked librarian Maya Escobar for book recommendations, we’ve been secretly plotting how to get her to do a Q&A with us.
When we finally got around to asking her about the state of YA–including common misconceptions about YA books and readers–and what it’s like to be a YA librarian, she graciously agreed.

Photo courtesy of Maya Escobar, who’s clearly showing off her love of comics!
1. How did you become the CPL YA librarian?
I first worked at Cambridge Public Library part time, mostly in the evenings, when I first got out of college. I worked at the checkout desk and met and observed all kinds of interesting folks — not just library visitors, also my co-workers! Then I went off for a bit and worked in graphic design and publications, ending up at a nonprofit called YouthBuild USA. I really liked being back in a nonprofit setting, which was also geared towards improving the lives of young people. But I missed having more face-to-face interactions with those people; I was mostly sitting in front of a computer, working on layout and editing.
Around that time I ran into CPL’s director, Susan Flannery, on the T, and she said if I ever wanted to come back to the library she was sure there would be something for me. So I went in for an informational interview with the current head children’s librarian at the time, and learned more about what was involved in becoming a children’s librarian. I decided that I wanted to go for it, and applied to the GSLIS program at Simmons and an entry level position at CPL at the same time. And those both worked out! So here I am 🙂
2. Best job perk?
I work with really wonderful, smart, creative people! And the children’s staff at Main has always been made up of a fun group of people who are really passionate about this work and have wonderful senses of humor. I also like not having a formal dress code. After working in the financial district, I can tell you: khaki pants NEVER AGAIN.