Lauren Friedman-Way: Empowering Baldwin’s Readers and Researchers

At the heart of Baldwin’s vibrant academic and community life is the Anne Frank Library, which is a space that is far more than a repository of books. Under the leadership of Lauren Friedman-Way, Director of Libraries and Middle School Librarian, it serves as a dynamic hub for curiosity, collaboration, and connection.

 

Lauren’s work is guided by a clear mission: to create inclusive spaces that foster global curiosity, strong research skills, and a lifelong love of reading. While Middle School students don’t attend formal library classes, her presence is deeply embedded in their daily academic experience. She partners closely with faculty across disciplines, helping design research projects, curate resources, and support students as they develop critical thinking skills. From sourcing credible materials to teaching citation and argument-building, Lauren ensures students are well-prepared for the transition to Upper School and beyond.

 

“I feel fortunate to work in a community of readers who see value in libraries and in books,” Lauren shares. That sense of shared purpose is evident in the library’s thoughtfully curated collection, which reflects a wide range of voices, perspectives, and lived experiences. For Lauren, representation is essential. She believes every student should be able to see themselves in the books they read while also gaining insight into cultures and experiences different from their own.

 

Just as important as academic growth is fostering a genuine love of reading — especially for students who may not initially identify as readers. “I love talking about books,” she explains. “It's my favorite part of this job. I like to believe that my enthusiasm and passion for the books in our collection draws reluctant readers into the conversation. If I'm excited about a book, then it's okay for the students to get excited about a book.”

 

Lauren meets students where they are, using her enthusiasm and deep knowledge of literature to spark interest and connection. Through engaging book talks and personalized recommendations, she opens doors to stories that resonate. One particularly meaningful moment: “When the book Simon Vs. the Homosapiens Agenda came out several years ago, I recommended it to an Upper School student, who was skeptical about it,” Lauren remembers. “After she read it, she told me it was the first book she had read that had joyful queer representation with a happy ending, and she was so moved by it.” The book not only changed the student’s perspective but also sparked an ongoing bond over shared reading, which is a powerful reminder of how stories can shape identity and belonging.

 

Beyond her work in the library, Lauren plays a pivotal role in student life as the Grade 8 Dean. She embraces the energy and complexity of this transitional year, guiding students as they grow into leaders and prepare for Upper School. Her goal is simple: to be a trusted adult who students can turn to for support, advice, and encouragement.

 

That same energy carries onto the field as a Cross Country coach. Whether during the fall season or spring running club, Lauren brings positivity, humor, and a strong sense of camaraderie to every practice. “I love being able to interact with students outside the classroom,” she says. “They show you a different side of themselves, and it’s also fun to show them a different side of me.”

 

Lauren’s path to librarianship was inspired by her mother, a lifelong educator whose passion for teaching left a lasting impression. Though she initially imagined a career in archives, Lauren quickly discovered that working with students, especially middle schoolers, was where she truly belonged. Fourteen years later, her enthusiasm remains as strong as ever. “Each class brings its own unique vibe,” she says. “Every year feels different and new.”

 

That sense of discovery extends to her work with Baldwin’s archives, where she is helping to bring the school’s 138-year history to life. As part of an archives committee, Lauren is working to transform historical materials into meaningful learning tools. The Baldwin School Archives’ primary purpose is to document and preserve the School’s history, including the history and significance of the building itself, providing source material for administrators, faculty, students, alumnae and members of the community, as well as others who may be interested in the impact of the School and its graduates on local, regional, and national history.

 

“There is something special about handling and interacting with the materials and objects from Baldwin’s past,” she explains. “Being able to actually touch a student’s dance card from 75 years ago, reading through a senior’s hand-written science paper from the 1940s, or flipping through a Seventeen magazine from the 1980s that features fashion advice from Baldwin’s Crew Team, it brings our history to life in a truly unique way. The experience of growing up within the Baldwin community is what bridges the gap between students today and students from 100 years ago. Yes, there are some stark differences, but the fundamentals of what it means to be a Baldwin student haven’t really changed at all.”

 

Whether she’s guiding a research project, recommending the perfect book, coaching a race, or uncovering pieces of school history, Lauren brings passion, insight, and heart to everything she does. Her work not only strengthens students’ academic skills but also helps shape a community rooted in empathy, curiosity, and a shared love of learning — one book and historical artifact at a time.