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The
Board of Trustees is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. katelove will formally begin his position in early July, when he has completed his duties as Morgan Local Schools’ West Elementary Librarian and Media Specialist. With a
BS in Education from Pennsylvania State University, an MS in Education
from the University of Idaho, and additional graduate classes in Library
Science, Mr. katelove has been involved in education and libraries for
many years. For
example, he served as a teacher for Native American Head Start
instructors in Idaho, taught Remedial Reading in Zanesville, elementary
school science in Reading, Pennsylvania, and interpreted history for the
National Park Service in Hawaii. In
addition, Mr. katelove served as a media specialist for a National
Park in Maui, Hawaii. Mr.
katelove organized their extensive historic, regional, and natural
science collections and instituted library procedures and practices.
The Director of Interpretation at the Haleakala’ called Mr.
katelove the “ultimate computer wizard” following his installation
of new computer hardware and software for the park, praising his ability
to juggle multiple priorities and to troubleshoot computer problems. In Mr.
katelove’s interview, a Power Point and Video Presentation convinced
the Board that Mr. katelove had the expertise to move KLS libraries
forward in their efforts to incorporate technology in both the operation
of the library and in services to share with patrons.
Further, Mr. katelove will provide a director familiar with the
community and with needs and preferences of children and adults.
Mr. katelove has been the Librarian and Technology Specialist
at West Elementary School in Morgan County since its inception.
He instituted several innovative programs for both students and
teachers and began a successful volunteer program. KLS
hopes to expand both adult and children’s programming and to enhance
the relationship between KLS and area schools.
As West Elementary Librarian, Mr. katelove worked closely with
the Kate Love Simpson Library in McConnelsville. Mr.
katelove stated, “Kate
Love Simpson Library has a long and proud history of service. It is
truly one of the jewels of Morgan County. I look forward with great
enthusiasm to continuing and deepening that history.” In his
interview, Mr. katelove presented the board with many ideas to expand
the library beyond the walls of our two buildings. Mr.
katelove explained his philosophy: “One of our goals will be to get
a library card in the hands of every Morgan County resident so each and
every person can enjoy Kate Love Simpson Library. We will reach out to
all residents, from pre-school through school age through adulthood. We
intend to form new and deeper alliances with the schools, social
agencies, churches, and businesses. We want to be important in your
lives, both as a source of information and as a support center for your
life-long learning.” Mr.
katelove provided the following statements regarding his philosophy
concerning literacy and his new role as the director of the Kate Love
Simpson-Morgan County Libraries: “Everything we do at Kate Love
Simpson is guided by one overriding principle: We are here to serve you
and your reading/learning needs. We strive to serve all members of the
community and to provide outstanding materials from all points of view.
We will always be available to listen eagerly to any suggestions. “
Further, Mr. katelove intends to enlist the whole library staff to
examine all facets of the library and consider how to improve each one.
Some areas under consideration are these, according to the new director:
streamlining service; using the bookmobile even more efficiently;
providing more highly regarded books and materials on subjects of
interest to our visitors; getting materials to the public in new and
innovative ways; making the library a friendlier, livelier place to
visit; revitalizing an active Friends of the Library group. In
conclusion, Mr. katelove stated, “This is such an exciting time to
take the reins of Kate Love Simpson directorship. I know so many of you
and am so proud to be a part of this great institution.” The
members of the Board of Trustees of the Kate Love Simpson-Morgan County
Libraries are delighted to welcome this energetic, enthusiastic new
director. We too are
excited with the many possibilities to maintain our fine library system
and to grow. By working
together, all Morgan County citizens can expand our libraries’
services and programs. Mr. katelove’s final comments echoed this philosophy: “All of you, those I know and those I have not yet met, have an open invitation…come to see me, call me, email me. I want to know your ideas. Let me know if you want to volunteer. We have great challenges ahead of us. How exciting!” |
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