And maybe its biggest success story
By Dale Larabee | Larabee’s Lowdown
On April 12, the Kensington-Normal Heights Library celebrates 60 years of service. The smallest of 35 San Diego branch libraries, long beleaguered or beloved, Ken-NH sits proudly, front and center, atop a small knoll in downtown Kensington surrounded by restaurants, bars, coffee shops and a three-story building under construction at the corner of Adams Avenue and Marlborough Drive. The current Library is a buffed-out 2700 square-footer that started its life as a 1000-square-foot classic Spanish House built in 1936.
I talked to current Librarian, Lynn Russo, along with several other Head Librarians to learn more about the heart and soul of this senior citizen. I have lived near for over 40 years, and I’m aware of a stream of rumors that the Library was about to be demolished, closed, added onto or built up, moved, or a bigger worry, forgotten. Russo assures me the Library we love is chugging right along. She reported that Ken-NH’s had the highest circulation per square foot of any of the 35 branches. The Mouse that Roared. Her busiest days are Mondays and Tuesdays when 450 users come and go. Many are repeat users for looking for books and magazines, paying fines or checking on holds. Others come to print out boarding passes or look online for jobs. E-books are gaining popularity. Russo has served four years and plans to stay.
“I love the size, the Kensington Park we are part of,” Russo said. “I can lunch on a blanket, and the people are so nice and supportive. I may retire here.”
Patricia Karnes, Head Librarian from 1993 – 1996 loved her stint in Kensington. During her long career, Karnes served at 13 branch libraries and claimed Ken-NH was the best. She has fond memories of pinecones pelting the roof dropped from surrounding trees and she felt like Henny Penny with the sky falling. Karnes praises the community support, school kids from nearby elementary schools filling the children’s section and having the volunteer group, Friends of the Library, supporting her. She loved the place so much, I asked her how come she left. “I had to retire,” she explained. I asked why. “I lifted too many books.” Pause. Big laugh, ‘Gotcha.’
Kathy Askin preceded Lynn Russo; she was nifty. Before she retired, she revamped the children’s collection and now is an avid bike rider. Askin recently rode her bike 900 miles from Portland, Ore. to San Francisco.
So what’s happening on their anniversary on April 12th? Zydeco music by the Bayou Brothers, food from Bleu Boehme and maybe a word or two from Councilmember Marti Emerald. Come take a tour. All proceeds go to the library.
When you come, say hello Ms. Karnes, but watch her.
