Shirley Fergenson

Book Adviser - Fiction

As an English major with a masters in fiction writing, Shirley is most at home in The Ivy’s fiction section.  She reads the newest offerings, fondly keeps files of a backlist, listens for reader requests, and match-makes readers with new books.  When she’s not reading or writing, she may be found walking in Lake Roland Park, biking with the Baltimore Bicycle Club, or gardening on her deer-free second-floor deck.  

Rona London

Book Adviser - Childrens

Rona Sue London is the Children's Book Curator at The Ivy and loves matching each youngster with their perfect read. She designs many of the displays in the shop, coordinates our School Summer Reading Program, and assists with author visits. She enjoys art, music, theater, gardening and of course, reading, devouring all manner of both children's and adult literature. She is a member of the Maryland Black Eyed Susan Book Awards Program and is a frequent contributor to Baltimore's Child Magazine. Before joining the team at The Ivy, she was a graphic designer, an art teacher, a journalist, and volunteered at her son's schools. 

Larry Miller

Book Adviser - Non-Fiction

Larry is a retired Baltimore City Public Schools history teacher; twenty-eight of his thirty-eight years were spent at Baltimore City College.  Larry has worked at the Ivy since 2012.  As a bookseller, he particularly enjoys chatting with customers about their reading experiences and ideas for new – and old! – books to discover.  While his primary interest is history, he also reads fine and trashy literature, philosophy, thriller/spy stories, and the “must reads” his colleagues and customers insist that he experience.

Martha Marani

School Outreach Coordinator

“A book is like a garden, carried in the pocket.” Chinese proverb

With more than 30 years of experience developing and enhancing professional relationships, Martha is responsible for The Ivy’s school partnerships. She coordinates children’s author visits and Ivy Kids Writing Workshops, manages programs that include the Birthday Book Club, helps to get summer and curricular reading into students’ hands, and facilitates book purchases for area K-12 schools. Martha is the primary point of contact for children’s event promotion.