The Kailua-Kona Public Library has a new librarian.
Kathryn “Katy” Tipton was recently welcomed as the new branch manager for Kailua-Kona’s main public library. Originally from California, Tipton received her undergraduate degree from the University of California-Los Angeles and received her master’s degree in library science at San Jose State University in 2018.
She brings a number of years of varied experience to her post, having held positions working as a school librarian and also a programming librarian on the U.S. Mainland. She heads a staff of six at the library.
“Being a school librarian is what inspired me to get my masters,” Tipton said. “I realized I wasn’t giving my students the proper service they deserved, so I went back to school.”
Tipton cited getting the library fully staffed as one of her main challenges along with restoring full service operating hours and days. Currently, the library has had to reduce open-to-the-public operating days to Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and hours from 9 a.m. to noon, a result of an ongoing need to repair problems with the air conditioning system.
“It’s been amazing so far,” she said.
New rules, which went into effect Monday, require patrons who wish to access entry into the library to provide proof of vaccination (digital or hard copy of vaccination card) or if not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result issued within the last 72 hours; and valid photo identification. Visitors must also wear a suitable mask covering their nose, mouth and chin at all times while in the library, practice hand hygiene and are reminded to physically distance themselves from others.
“If you have those things, you are able to come in, otherwise we are happy to serve you like we used to when it was just door service,” she said. “If you want something from our shelves, we ask to give us 24 hours and we will be happy to get that for you.”
Those needing to use the computer and who are not vaccinated or have a negative result, will be provided a Chromebook which can be used in the parking lot. It follows the same rules as using the computer inside the library with a two-hour limit.
Printing and photocopy services are also be available for the standard charge.
“We are trying to keep the service that we have, just adapt it so we can be in compliance with the mandate,” she said.
Tipton said children under 12 are exempt from the new rules and are welcome into the library.
“They can’t get a shot, but the thing is with the new mandate, this will be a safe place for them to come in because everyone will be vaccinated,” she said.
The library still offers its once a month “Take and Make” Activity kits for keiki from preschool through fifth grade. Materials are supplied for fun activities with a monthly theme.
Also popular is the new ukulele lending program.
“We are super exited about that,” Tipton said. “It was a grant through the Music for Life Foundation. They provided us with 10 ukulele. You can check them out like you would a book or any other item. You can have it for three weeks and it comes with a tuner as well.”
Tipton said they have had patrons coming in asking about housing issues, so they are trying to put together a pop-up housing booth for anyone who has problems with housing.
“It’s a big issue right now,” she said. “We are hoping to do this within the next couple of months. Legal Aid has agreed to come out as well as Habitat for Humanity. We are trying to get the county on board too. That’s going to be our next big project. We would like to have them come out and set up on our lanai and provide information on organizations that can help, especially with rental assistance.”
Tipton also wanted to remind patrons that with a valid library card, the Hawaii State Public Library System’s digital doors are always open at www.librarieshawaii.org. There, member can download ebooks, stream movies, listen to music, learn a language, read newspapers and more.
Tipton said she is especially happy to fill the branch manager position, given the library’s high profile and reputation in the Kona community. Also, a big positive is she has family close by, with her parents and sister living in Hilo.
Tipton replaces interim branch manager Chezlani Casar, who held the position since March 2020. Casar replaced Denise Stromberg, who retired in February 2020 after overseeing the library since 2016. Prior to Stromberg, Irene Horvath managed the branch located at 75-138 Hualalai Road in Kailua-Kona.
She encourages residents to call the library with any questions, concerns, suggestions, and ideas at (808) 327-4327.