Meet the Libby Librarians — Kate Frick

As we welcome in the warm spring days, we’re also welcoming a new librarian spotlight! Each month, we go behind-the-scenes with a staff librarian, asking everything from their favorite books to the best part of the job. 

But Kate isn’t exactly a Libby librarian—they’re officially a librarian for Sora, the student reading app. Just like Libby, Sora is stocked with ebooks and audiobooks, but available through the school library. But as a writer and contributor to Libby Life, this honorary Libby librarian has lots to recommend—especially books for kids. Kate is a former children’s librarian who worked at the New York Public Library (what a dream!) before eventually making their way to OverDrive, the home of Libby and Sora. While they write about everything from baby books to horror reads, all genres are welcome on this bookworm’s shelf (or lately, through their headphones). Just don’t ask them to pick a favorite—it’s constantly changing. 

Read on to learn more about Kate, their history working at NYPL, and the beautiful and heartbreaking book they think everyone should read (hint: it’s a kid’s book!). 

What's in your mug? 

I’m weird about hot drinks—for some reason, they always make me think about being ill? But I do love a good hot chocolate. Otherwise, catch me sipping an iced mocha no matter the weather.

What is a reading hill you will die on? 

All reading is good reading, whether it’s the Great American Novel or the back of a cereal box.

I started my career as a children’s librarian, so I’ve heard a lot of opinions about what “counts” as reading. But whether we’re considering brain development or simply the joy of reading, there isn’t any such thing as “bad reading”—so enjoy that ingredients list!

Describe your reading style in 3-5 words. 

Erratic, obsessive, and vibes-based. 

I’ll go through bouts where I read almost nothing for months, and then suddenly I’ll get the book bug and devour seven in a week. I also wouldn’t say I have a go-to genre—romance might be just-right today, and then tomorrow, I’m all about science fiction. It’s really all motivated by what feels right in the moment, which can definitely be tricky when you’re staring at a mile-high TBR and nothing on the pile appeals.

Ebooks or audiobooks? 

I used to be exclusively ebook, but I have less and less time for reading these days, so audiobooks have recently become my go-to option. Whether I’m driving to work or enjoying a walk around my neighborhood, having a new story to accompany me is a nice treat.

What’s your all-time favorite book?

I’m generally bad at favorites, but asking me to pick one book feels especially heinous. In all seriousness, the answer to this question is constantly changing. Right now, I think I’d say Hazelthorn by CG Drews—specifically the audio, because narrator Michael Crouch has a voice that’s to-die-for.

If you could only ever read one book again, what would it be? 

Please see “making me choose one favorite book is especially heinous.” But I think I would have to choose a go-to comfort read: The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes by Jennifer Crusie, Eileen Dreyer, and Anne Stuart. 

If you’re a romance reader, I highly recommend Crusie in particular—I snuck so many of her books off my mom’s shelves as a teen—and this one features three small-town sisters with a big secret: They’re witches in hiding, struggling to control their powers and remain hidden from their evil aunt Xan, who years ago murdered their parents. It’s sexy, funny, magical, and honestly an excellent read every time I revisit it.

Name a book you think everyone should read.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

I know, it’s a children’s book. I don’t care. Read it. 

I have literally never read a more beautiful, heartbreaking, ultimately hopeful book than this one. I cried the first time I read it over ten years ago, and I’ve cried at every reread since.

What inspired you to become a librarian? 

There isn’t one thing I could point to as inspiration. I had an incredible children’s librarian growing up, as well as a babysitter who knew how to tell a great story—to this day I can remember the way she could make the most mundane experience exciting. I studied creative writing at undergrad with the ambition of someday publishing a novel. And then I spent a few years substitute teaching and working part-time at a daycare, which is when I realized my passions—reading, singing, telling stories, and teaching kids—would probably make me a good children’s librarian.

What did you do before becoming a Libby (Sora) librarian? 

I spent a few years as a children’s librarian with New York Public Library, working in the heart of Manhattan about five blocks from Central Park and living an extremely exciting life for someone born and raised in the middle of cornfields. Eventually I transitioned to a library in Connecticut, where I started as a children’s collection development specialist, selecting physical and digital books for children birth through middle grade, and eventually became the head of the library’s materials management department.

What's the best part of your job?

Honestly, interacting with school administrators and librarians is the highlight of my day. Chatting about their needs and goals, what they hope to accomplish with the Sora app, and hearing how grateful they are for my support always puts a smile on my face. I may not be working with kids on a day-to-day basis anymore, but I know the work I’m doing is still making a difference in their lives because I’m helping the people who help them learn and grow.

What’s one thing about being a librarian you wish more people understood? 

Modern librarians are expected to wear a lot of hats in their communities. Research assistants, storytellers, book experts—but also therapists, social workers, experts in navigating complicated government forms. It’s so important to remember that we’re not trained in the latter half of this list. 

We want to help you—most librarians entered the field because we truly want to serve the public, in one way or another—but we can only do so much. So please be patient with your local librarian, and thank them for the rewarding but often difficult work they’re doing.

What's the last book you read? 

I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump so far this year, but I’ve managed a few graphic novels recently.

This Place Kills Me by Mariko Tamaki is a young adult mystery, set at an all-girls boarding school in the 1980s. The story revolves around a girl’s tragic death, ruled a suicide, and one outcast student’s quest to discover the truth—only to uncover a much darker, older secret than she could have imagined. Content warnings for bullying, homophobia, abuse, and drinking/drug use.

Your best reading advice: 

Never feel guilty for not finishing a book. 

It might not be the right book for you, or it might just not be the right book for right now. Either way, there’s no shame in putting down a book unfinished and moving onto something more appealing.

Anything else you’d like to tell readers? 

I love worms. Which I share as an excuse to include one of my favorite photos, taken years ago at the Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans.

Want to read more from Kate? 

Check out a few more posts they’ve written for Libby Life:

🧠 Newly diagnosed as neurodivergent? 8 books about autism & ADHD to guide your journey

👻 QUIZ: Which Goosebumps book are you?

💐 Our favorite fictional moms to read & watch this Mother’s Day

Meet more Libby Librarians!

Meet Maria.

Meet Meghan.

Meet Shelia.

Come back next month for another behind‑the‑scenes look at another of our Libby librarians and be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter so you don’t miss out.

Kate’s book recommendations: