Kathy Kent has been a part of the Oneida County Library off and on since 1973.  She has no plans to stop, especially since her daughters Laura deJong and Elizabeth Kent are still involved in the library, with Laura specifically serving as the Library’s current Assistant Director. Coming full circle in some ways, she plans to remain on as a technology consultant, something she has done officially and unofficially for a number of decades. 

She started the story hour on Saturdays on the steps of the courthouse with 8 mm film and “Rosie’s Walk”.  She has specifically been a technology consultant at least since she helped with computers in the 1997-1998 season, setting up Follett and MARC record.

She has also been an instructor, member of the board from 1940-1997, Assistant Librarian 2009-2012, Library Director from 2012-2025.  She was instrumental in having the computer, kindle, and genealogy classes at the library.

Lois Willie served on the board from 1987 to 1997, and then again from 2003 to 2025.  She was named “Trustee of the Year” by the State of Idaho.  Her stewardship has seen the library through enormous changes in size, scope, and scale over the years, bringing it to its current “Best Library in Idaho” award a few years ago.  A recent deal with the city and voter-passed bond have allowed for an expansion of the library’s footprint, paving the way for the future! 

Together with their husbands, families, and plenty of friends, the two celebrated the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.  Congratulations to both!

For the library itself, there are several upcoming events to be aware of:

The Adult Summer Reading Program is ongoing. The last day to report reading or listening hours is August 31st.

The new STEM trailer will be at the Oneida County Fair. It will be open for the Kids Party on Wednesday, and then will be hosting a “STEM Day at the Fair” on Friday from 12:00-6:00 p.m.  The library is partnering with Ashley Schaffner from Idaho STEM Action Center. She is the Southeast Idaho Coordinator. Also on hand will be INL (Idaho National Laboratory) with fun STEM ideas from K-12 Grades. The Idaho Museum of Natural History (IMNH) will be there from 4:00-6:00 with some fun activities. 

Our Preschool Story Hour program will begin again on Tuesday, September 9th at 11:30 a.m. at the library.