Aviva Klugh is a resident of Beverly Hills and a new member of the Friends of the Hamilton Library Branch. Although new to the neighborhood, Aviva has lived in Baltimore City for almost ten years and has frequented many neighborhood branches and Central Library events. As a lifelong reader and patron of local libraries, she values the importance of access that libraries provide communities. Aviva is a transportation planning professional with the State and is interested in connectivity, planning, and exploring Maryland’s trail networks in her free time.
Deborah Mason has lived in Mayfield since 2013. She joined the Friends in 2018 and joined the board in 2019, serving as Secretary. In addition to helping with Friends programs, Deborah has also written several staff profiles for the newsletter, introducing new Hamilton Branch librarians to the community. Deborah is originally from Long Island, where she was inculcated with an undying love for books, writing, large dogs, and aloof cats. A former Maryland Assistant Attorney General and retired high school English teacher, Deborah is a self-employed tutor and writer. She is also finishing her second term as President of the Mayfield Improvement Association.
A resident of Beverly Hills, Malissa Ruffner has been a Hamilton Branch patron for over 35 years. She began volunteering with the Friends in 2015 and has served as Treasurer and President of the organization. She particularly values the opportunity it offers to meet and work with Northeast neighbors and believes that libraries are essential to healthy communities. She currently works as a genealogist, with a focus on African American research in Maryland, and in her spare time, enjoys reading (of course!), and playing pickleball.
Derek Simmonsen is a Lauraville resident and current member of the Friends board. You might have seen him selling used books to benefit the Friends at the Lauraville Fair, Tuesday market, or the summer sale at the library. Derek is originally from Pennsylvania and has lived in Baltimore for 15 years. He is an avid reader and has been taking his kids to the Hamilton Branch since they were babies. In his free time, he likes to browse new finds at Snug Books, check out used vinyl at Wax Atlas, and volunteer at Garrett Heights Elementary Middle School, where his kids go to school. Derek is a lawyer in state government and teaches as part of the moot court program at the University of Maryland Carey School of Law.
Stephie Stewart lives in Waltherson and joined the Friends of the Hamilton Branch Library in 2023. In addition to being an active reader (sci-fi and fantasy? yes please!), she also performs with multiple musical groups in the area, including Charm City Sings and the Baltimore Gamer Symphony Orchestra. Starting with the local library bookmobile growing up in California, Stephie is a long-time user of public libraries and a supporter of all types of libraries. She currently works as a librarian with the Maryland General Assembly. Eric Williams has been a resident of Cedmont since 2020. He has lived in Maryland all his life and is a lifelong supporter of public libraries in Maryland. As far back as he can remember his mom would take him to the library every Saturday to find a new adventure to enjoy. Eric works in Product Management for an education company in Baltimore and in his spare time he enjoys taking walks with his dog, trying new restaurants and traveling.
