TOWSON, MD—The Baltimore County Public Library on Tuesday announced its new Board of Library Trustees member, Claudia Cruz.

Appointed by Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski in July, Cruz will sit on the board through 2028. She was welcomed at her first Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, September 19. Cruz currently co-owns Bravo Builders LLC and previously worked as a Spanish teacher at Wilde Lake High School in Howard County. “That experience showed me there is a direct correlation to academic success with exposure to reading,” said Cruz. “It made me value the essential purpose of the public libraries; which is to provide access to information for all.”

The Essex native calls the library a crucial part of her academic success growing up in the 1990s. She appreciates how throughout the years the library has remained a safe haven for her, whether it be a quiet place to read or a space to meet with friends. The Baltimore County mom says it also impacted how her two sons grew up. “They would spend almost every extremely hot, rainy or cold day at Storyville in Rosedale until they aged out. What a joy it was to watch them engage in interactive play that did not require a screen.” Cruz says she is constantly blown away by the new resources the library offers, like Lawyers in the Library and the creation of new teen spaces where they can hang out after school or on the weekends.

“We are elated to have Claudia join the Baltimore County Public Library Board of Library Trustees to help continue the library’s mission of helping families explore, learn, create and connect,” said Baltimore County Public Library CEO Sonia Alcántara-Antoine. “She will add a fresh and welcome perspective to the Library Board, which reflects the diversity of our community.”

When she isn’t working or volunteering on the board, Cruz likes to hike, try local restaurants with her family and play board games. “I am the reigning champion of Catan, but I doubt I will hold the title for much longer. We get very competitive!”

Photo (via BCPL): New board member, Claudia Cruz, standing with Board of Library Trustees President Yara Cheikh