Kristen Keck
The following article was written by Kristen Keck, the new Teen Associate at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Hi! I’m Kristin Keck and I’m new here—both to Manitowoc Public Library and to the state. I moved from Kansas City, Missouri (note: always Miz-oo-rEE, never Miz-oo-rAH) last November. I’ve been asked to say a little bit about myself, which is always awkward, but I’ll give it a try.
I’ve lived in Missouri most of my life, but I was born just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. I’ve been told quite a few times since I’ve moved that I have a Southern accent. Nobody in Missouri had ever said that, but I’m willing to roll with it.
I’m an old school Doctor Who fan, and I can say some intelligent things about comics (mostly DC) and sci-fi and fantasy books. I read a little bit of everything including mystery, nonfiction, and literary fiction. It’s hard to pick a favorite author but my top five would be Terry Pratchett, Charles Todd, Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, and a photo finish between Robert B. Parker and P.G. Wodehouse. Oh, and Rex Stout. And Daniel Abraham. And Guy Gavriel Kay. Like I said, it’s hard.
I’d worked at the North Oak Branch of Mid-Continent Public Library for eleven years before making this move. When you want to work with smart, creative, slightly eccentric people, you go to the library. Being around all these books does something you! At North Oak, I was in charge of outreach to preschools and daycares, doing story times and presentations for kids.
I’m working with teens and tweens now, which is new territory for me. Fortunately, I’m stepping into a great program with lots of fun events lined up for the summer. First off, there’s the Summer Reading Program with prizes for all ages. Registration is open now and you can start logging your reading on June 12.
There will be a Summer Reading Program sign-up event at the Cedar Crest Ice Cream Parlor on June 8, with free ice cream for the first 100 people. Upcoming Teen events includes a tie dye program on the Library Lawn on June 16, mini-canvas art at Glaze & Paint, and learning some yoga—and that’s just in June! The summer calendar is full right through to August. Be sure to check out the website at www.manitowoclibrary.org/events for all the details.
I’m always looking for ideas for programs, so please let me know if there’s something you’d like to do. You can get in touch with me at kkeck@Manitowoc.org. I’m looking forward to getting to know the community and welcoming everyone into the Library.
