Self-described as curious, Kathryn Kohl loves research, especially in the technology field. She thought she was finished with college for good, but when she decided that library school was the right thing for her, Kohl packed up her family and moved cross-country to hit the books again. “It was fabulous, I felt like a sponge and was engaged in everything at school. I appreciated it more in my late 30s than I would have earlier in my life,” Kohl said.
Name: Kathryn Kohl.
Job/employer: Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. Works at the Vancouver Community Library.
Age: 46.
Education/professional background: I became a librarian in 2008. I had an undergraduate and master’s degree in education from the University of Oregon. I had worked a variety of jobs, including 11 years for Kaiser Permanente as a research analyst and consultant. In the course of working there, I knew it wasn’t a perfect fit for me.
When I was in my late 30s, I went to the Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation in Seattle, where they tested me to figure out what I was good at. The results showed that I needed more person-to-person interaction. I decided that library school was the right thing for me.
Working in Clark County, a brief profile of interesting Clark County business owners or a worker in the public, private, or nonprofit sector. Send ideas to Mary Ricks: mary.ricks@columbian.com; fax 360-735-4598; phone 360-735-4550.
I moved my family cross-country to Illinois to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. At my very first session at school I found I was really cheering up and thinking I was in the right place. Finally, I received my master’s degree a week after I turned 40. I worked in college and school libraries for three years before I got this job. When the new downtown library opened, they hired two additional reference librarians and I got my job.
Most rewarding part of job: I love helping someone find something they are looking for, especially if I can find more than they thought they could find. It is extremely satisfying to help them with the technology.
Something else rewarding: Reference librarian Brigitte Mucci and I developed an adult short story program held a couple times a month, called Morning Story Conversations.
We read a short story aloud and then we discuss it with people who have come to listen. Anyone in the community is welcome. It is a good way to develop friendships, and everyone has very different opinions. We have taken this program to the Clark County Jail as part of its re-entry program for offenders who will be released soon. It is a most satisfying part of my job.
Most challenging part of job: It is most challenging to get the word out about all the resources we have available at the library and the people we have to assist in finding what you need.
I have also made a connection with SCORE mentors. SCORE is a nonprofit mentoring program for people getting started in business or in need of a sounding board for an existing business. The mentors will refer people to the library to get information for their business plans. We have electronic sources to help with a new business venture.
Personal/business philosophy: I want to treat people kindly and with respect. And here at the library, all people are welcome.
Something you would like to do over: I wish I had known I wanted to be a librarian when I was younger. When I finished my first degree, I said I would never go back to school again, but my thinking changed when I went back to be a librarian.
Residence: Northeast Portland.
Best feature of my Vancouver/Clark County community: I love seeing how proud people are of Vancouver. The library has a lot of local history devoted to this area and many people come in researching this community. I think it is more pronounced here than in Portland.
What would make your community a better place: I drive an electric car and prefer using public transportation. I would like it if MAX light rail came to Vancouver. I would love it if I didn’t have to drive.
Favorite restaurant/pub/coffee shop/store: I am a huge fan of the Mighty Bowl food truck.
Favorite travel destination: England. My dream is someday to go on a safari in Africa.
Most interesting book in last 12 months: My husband and I are listening to the audio book “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” by Thomas Hardy. I also am re-reading “The Egg and I” by Betty MacDonald, which was first published in 1945.
Most interesting play/movie/arts event: My husband performs with the Portland Opera so I attend those events. I am also a fan of British comedy and the last couple of years have been drawn toward Norwegian movies like “Elling,” a 2001 film shot mostly in and around the capital Oslo.
One thing you want to do this year: The library offers many free six-week online courses with a huge variety of topics. I would really like to take a class on computer programming.
Something you want to do within five years: We are working with Portland’s Accessory Dwelling Units program and trying to add another housing unit on our property. We could possibly rent out the unit or use it for a house swap.
One word to describe yourself: Curious and light-hearted.
Person you’d most like to meet: I would have liked to meet my husband’s grandmother because she was very instrumental in his life. I would love to meet the famous French chef, Jacques Pepin.
