SOUTH HAVEN | Kathy Blackburn has read to so many children in South Haven she is now reading to the children of children.
Blackburn is celebrating her 30 year anniversary as librarian at the South Haven branch of the Porter County Public Library.
She started out as the children's assistant in 1982 but then became youth services librarian and has done that since 1984.
"I'm not ready to retire," she said. "I love it."
As youth services librarian Blackburn is in charge of ordering materials, story hours, reading programs and just interacting with the children.
"This is just a very nice job," said Blackburn. I like to go to work every day. It's an adventure. This job keeps me young."
Blackburn also gets to interact with teachers, parents and grandparents.
"The big thing that has changed with my job is the technology," she said. "And there are more programs since we moved into the new building in 1995."
Blackburn said the library is crucial for South Haven residents.
"It really is begin utilized by a lot of people," she said. "We really needed it."
Blackburn is truly the cornerstone of this library," said Barbara Jenkins, head of reference. "She is always so cheerful and can relat to the kids."
To celebrate Blackburn's anniversary, There will be an open house from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at the library, 403 W. County Road 700 North. Patrons can sign the memory book and share cake and punch.
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