Robin Klaene – Kenton County Public Library

A Message to Our Patrons

Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 and with the direction of local and state health and government agencies, the Kenton County Public Library is closed until the crisis has passed. This was a very difficult decision to make. Our staff is dedicated to serving the community and this long period of closure is challenging. Even though our buildings are closed, we are still providing services electronically. Please check out our social media platforms for upcoming tutorials, information about online databases and eBooks, and virtual storytimes. Our webpage is also a wonderful resource for research, homework help and entertainment. We provide cardholders with access to more than 150 databases including eBooks though Overdrive, eBooks, music and videos through Hoopla and homework help through Learning Express as well as many other resources. Interested in local history and genealogy? Check out our History and Genealogy webpage. This resource is full of old photos, access to databases such as Heritage Quest and many local newspapers and records. The library is trying to make things a little easier for our parents who are at home teaching their children. Try out our databases and online chat reference feature. We are also reaching out to the most vulnerable in our community. I bet you didn’t know the library provides books and other materials to over 450 homebound residents of Kenton County. Although we cannot deliver items at this time, we are doing wellness calls to make sure they have everything they need to make it through these challenging times. Please use your library and know we are here to serve you. Dave Schroeder Executive Director

By Robin Klaene|March 25th, 2020|Categories: blog, Featured Post|6 Comments

Picture Books for Women’s History Month

March is designated as Women’s History Month. The month honors women’s contributions to American history. However, it actually started in 1978 as a local “Women’s History Week” celebration in Santa Rosa, California. This week quickly found national recognition, and over time evolved into Women’s History Month, and has been recognized as such since 1995. The 2020 Women’s History Month theme is “Valiant Women of the Vote,” in recognition of the centennial of the 19th Amendment. The theme honors "the brave women who fought to win suffrage rights for women, and for the women who continue to fight for the voting rights of others." We’ve selected just a few of the many new books that have recently been published recounting the accomplishments of women to share with you. Some names may be familiar while others may be relatively unknown. Enjoy learning about women’s history! A Wynk, a Blynk, and a Nod to New Books about Women’s History Counting the Stars by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illus. by Raúl Colón This biography pays homage to African American Katherine Johnson, who broke societal and racial barriers by becoming one of NASA’s first human computers. There’s quite a bit of text, which makes the book suitable for older elementary students, but it is accompanied by Colón’s signature style illustrations, that include layers of watercolor and colored pencil, which enhance the story. Fight of the Century: Alice Paul Battles Woodrow Wilson for the Vote by Barb Rosenstock Using the framework of a boxing match, this is the story of suffragette Alice Paul and her campaign to win women the right to vote. It is quite appropriate given this is the year of the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the [...]

By Robin Klaene|March 10th, 2020|Categories: Featured Post|Comments Off

Things to Do – Holiday Edition

Family, friends and a lot of fun activities are on tap as the Kenton County Public Library kicks off the holiday season a little early this week with a visit from Mrs. Claus. That’s right, Santa’s other half will be hosting a special visit at each of the library branches. Join her for stories, cookies and write your letter to Santa that she’ll personally deliver. Mrs. Claus will be at the Erlanger Branch Library this Wednesday, November 27 from 2-3 pm. She will visit the Covington Branch Library on Tuesday, December 3 from 4-5 pm. Her last stop will be at the Durr Branch Library on Saturday, December 7 from 1-2 pm. Santa Claus will be at the Durr Branch visit as well. Storytimes with Mrs. Claus are free to families and registration is not required. Additional holiday activities this week include storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers at all locations. The fun continues with the following programs: No Sew Fleece Hats for Teens Monday, November 25, 5:30- 6:30 PM Erlanger Branch Library Teens are invited to make a warm fleece hat, without sewing! Santa Claus, Crafts and Cookies! Sun., Dec. 1, 1:30-3 pm Erlanger Everyone Bring your camera and take a photo with Santa Claus. Decorate a holiday cookie and create holiday crafts. Hot Chocolate Bar and a Movie Wed., Dec. 4, 4:30-6:30 pm Covington Enjoy a DIY hot chocolate bar, holiday cookies and the movie Elf. Teens only! Home for the Pawlidays: Cat Adoption Event Sat., Dec. 7, 1-3 pm Erlanger Join us for a heartwarming adoption event in support of Ohio Alleycat Resource, just in time for the pawlidays. Can’t adopt? Swing by to play with and read to [...]

By Robin Klaene|November 25th, 2019|Categories: childrens, Featured Post, KCPL|Comments Off

Family History Month features Murder, Mystery and Intrigue

Cemetery tours, stories about a murder and discovering treasures in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky…these are a few programs that are part of the Family History Month series to take place at the Kenton County Public Library in October. Expert researchers and historians will lead a variety of programs throughout the month of October to help people research, learn more about Northern Kentucky or expand their knowledge of a specific historical topic. All programs are no cost to attend but registration is required where noted. Genealogy-Research-Palooza Tuesday, October 01, 2019 - Thursday, October 31, 2019 Covington Library - Local History and Genealogy Dept. Book a one-on-one genealogy research appointment to celebrate Family History Month! Call us at (859) 962-4070 to reserve a one-hour appointment. Finding and Translating German Church Records and Newspaper Articles Thursdays, October 10, & 24, 2019 @ 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Covington Library - Local History and Genealogy Dept. Learn some tips and tricks for finding and translating local German church records and newspaper articles during this one-hour class. Registration is required and limited to 10. Register here for the October 10, 2019 class. Register here for the October 24, 2019 class. This class will also be offered again on Thursday, November 7, 2019 @ 6:30 PM. Register here. Mother of God Cemetery Tour Saturday, October 12, 2019 @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Mother of God Cemetery, 3125 Madison Ave Fort Wright, KY 41015 Join Local History & Genealogy staff for a biographical walking tour of Mother of God Cemetery in Fort Wright and learn about the people and families who shaped the history of Northern Kentucky. DAR Research Assistance Tuesday, October 15, 2019 @ 9:00 AM -11:00 AM Covington [...]

By Robin Klaene|September 25th, 2019|Categories: Featured Post, KCPL|Comments Off

Lunch and Learn Covers Fraud & Identity Theft

Fraud & Identity Theft Erlanger Library Tuesday, August 27, 2019 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM “Please call us immediately. Your credit card has been compromised…” Many of us receive calls like this on a daily basis. Or someone will email you stating their woes and ask you to send them money. Most of us realize that these are scams and an attempt to steal your personal information. However, not everyone does. On Tuesday, August 27, the Erlanger Branch of the Kenton County Public Library will host Lori Farris from the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office of Senior Protection as she presents the free presentation “Fraud & Identity Theft Lunch and Learn.” Lunch is included with a free registration. The event takes place 11:30 AM – 1 PM. The Office of the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Kentucky offers tips about what to know and do about scams: Hang up: If someone calls asking for money or personal information, hang up. If you think they might be telling the truth, ask for a number you can call to verify. Do not pay in advance: Scammers often offer prizes or threaten to take action against you if you don’t pay a fee or provide personal information. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will not threaten you for upfront payments. Do not wire money or send reloadable credit/gift cards to people that you don’t know. Slow down. Before issuing a payment or provide personal information, verify the business by researching it online - verify the website, contact information, customer reviews and company policies. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Lori Farris from the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office of Senior Protection will discuss [...]

By Robin Klaene|August 1st, 2019|Categories: Featured Post|Comments Off

Kentucky Gives Day & the Library

Did you know that Tuesday, May 14 is Kentucky Gives Day? Kentucky Gives Day is an opportunity for Kentuckians (near and far) to come together to make donations to Kentucky charities in an effort to raise as much money as possible in 24 hours. If you would like to give of your time, talent or treasure, please consider the Kenton County Public Library. There are several ways to give: Volunteer The Library's Volunteer Program seeks to provide opportunities for volunteers to make meaningful contributions to the operations of the library, help to expand and enhance library services, strengthen ties to the community and build public awareness of the diverse services provided by Kenton County Public Libraries. To find out more about the Library's volunteer program, click here. Friends of the Library The Friends of the Kenton County Public Library is a volunteer membership group that supports the Library primarily through used book sales. Future book sale dates are: August 11-17 at the Covington Branch library September 23-29 at the William E. Durr Branch library December 1-7 at the Erlanger Branch library General giving: If you would like to make a donation to the Library Foundation, please click here to use a credit card. If you would like to send a check, please make it payable to the Kenton County Public Library Foundation and either drop off at any Library location (Covington, Erlanger or Durr in Independence) or mail to 3095 Hulbert Dr., Erlanger, KY 41018. Please fill out this document when donating with either cash or check (link to order form online). Say Cheese…Amazon Smile When you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates to your favorite charitable organization. If you [...]

By Robin Klaene|May 13th, 2019|Categories: About Us, blog, Featured Post, KCPL|Comments Off

Giving to the Library

Did you know that there are many ways to give to the Kenton County Public Library Foundation? You can support the Library Foundation through Kroger Community Rewards, Amazon Smile, shop for a cause at boonsupply.com and via the general donation page. You can also sponsor a book, brick or wall tile in honor of someone (makes a great gift option for those who love the Library!). General giving: If you would like to make a donation to the Library Foundation, please click here to use a credit card. If you would like to send a check, please make it payable to the Kenton County Public Library Foundation and either drop off at any Library location (Covington, Erlanger or Durr in Independence) or mail to 3095 Hulbert Dr., Erlanger, KY 41018. Please fill out the this document when donating with either cash or check (link to order form online). Say Cheese…Amazon Smile When you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates to your favorite charitable organization. If you shop at amazon, you can select the Kenton County Public Library Foundation as a recipient to a percentage of your purchase price. Learn more at, smile.amazon.com. Honoring One Through a Book Know a reader? Honor their life, legacy or love of books by putting a book plate in a book of their liking. For a $25 donation, Library staff will work with you to identify the perfect book which will be marked with a special nameplate on the inside cover. Click here to complete online with credit card. If you prefer to pay with cash or check, please download this form and either mail to the library or bring it with you on your next visit. Support [...]

By Robin Klaene|April 10th, 2019|Categories: blog, Featured Post, KCPL|Comments Off

Top 10 Little Known Library Services

Staff of the Kenton County Public Library get a lot of "I didn't know the library had that!" when responding to questions. In celebration of National Library Week, the following is a list of the top 10 little known library services: 1. Free Meeting Spaces Whether you have a need to gather 400 or four people, the Library has a meeting space for you. Spaces are free to reserve, and many have A/V capability. The use of meeting space is provided free of charge to individuals and groups for civic, educational, and philanthropic purposes. To learn more or reserve a space, go to kentonlibrary.org/aboutus/meeting-room-policy 2. Tool Lending In partnership with the Center for Great Neighborhoods, the Library offers Empower Tools. Anyone with a Kenton County Public Library card will be able to borrow tools for up to a week. Items available will include everything from a moisture meter or a pressure washer, to an electrician’s kit and a hand cultivator. Tool lending is free, but there will be a $5 late fee for every day a tool is past due. For a list of tools, visit, kentonlibrary.org/tools. Empower Tools operates from a storefront located at 305 Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011. 3. Notary Services Notary service is free and available at all locations. Please call to confirm availability (859) 962-4000. The Covington Branch requires an appointment for notary services. For more information including ID requirements, see kentonlibrary.org/notary-services. 4. Free Scanning Services Digitize and preserve your family photographs, documents, films and slides in the Local History and Genealogy Department at the Covington Branch. To arrange a one-on-one photograph scanning appointment call (859) 962-4070. All branches offer a public scanning [...]

By Robin Klaene|April 8th, 2019|Categories: blog, Featured Post, KCPL|Comments Off

No Library Fines or Fees in April

For the first time in more than a decade, the Kenton County Public Library is offering amnesty of fines during April. In celebration of National Library Week and Children’s Book Week, if you have fines on your library card account, visit the Kenton County Public Library and speak to a staff member in April and those fines will be removed. This does not include lost or damaged items. This offer is good April 1-April 30, 2019. National Library Week , April 7- 13, 2019, is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and library workers and to promote library use and support. From free access to books and online resources for families to library business centers that help support entrepreneurship and retraining, libraries offer opportunity to all. Additionally, the Library will observe Children’s Book Week from April 29 to May 5, one of the longest-running national celebrations of books for young people and the joy of reading. “Libraries are evolving and changing daily,” said Dave Schroeder, Executive Director. “Many people are still of the mindset that it’s a quiet place full of books. While the library still has books, it also offers an array of programs and events for all ages, maker spaces, professional workshops for job seekers, and is an office to those who can work or study remotely.” “We wanted to remove any barriers that were prohibiting people from using their library,” stated Schroeder. There are over 157,000 people with a Kenton County Public Library card. Of this, there are 34,864 borrowers with fines greater than $10, which is the limit that prevents them from being able to check items out.” “April is a great time for spring cleaning. We [...]

By Robin Klaene|April 2nd, 2019|Categories: blog, Featured Post, KCPL|1 Comment

Library of Things

Telescopes, binoculars, yard games…not what you typically associate with a library. However, that is not the case at the Kenton County Public Library. The Library is broadening its collection of items they provide to the public and are calling it the Library of Things. You might be wondering “what are these things and how can I get them?” The easiest way to check out all that’s offered is to go to the catalog and type in Library of Things. There are nearly 600 items available however you can narrow down your search. To the left of the screen are some categories to search or you can just scroll through the offerings. While there is something for just about everyone in the Library of Things (DSLR camera, giant Jenga-like game, old school gaming systems) here are the top ten requested items: Top 10 Most Requested Items on Hold Super Nintendo entertainment system : classic game console Sega genesis : classic game console Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Dobsonian Reflector telescope KCPL Wifi Hotspot Maker kit #03 [kit] : Virtual Reality kit Maker kit #02 [kit] : ozobots STREAM kit : ACE 300 metal detector Atari flashback 7 : classic game console deluxe STREAM kit : Canon DSLR camera and tripod Maker kit #05 [kit] : code & go robot mouse Top 10 Most Checked Out Items Wifi Hotspot Portable DVD Player Brother Sewing Machine GoSports Giant Toppling Tower Toss Boss Larger Ring Toss Game CD Player Rollors Baden Champions Series Bocce Ball set Original Molkky ZINK Zero Ink hAppy Smart App Printer RPG Kit Ukulele Kit To place these items on hold, or check out if they are available, all you need is a [...]

By Robin Klaene|August 16th, 2018|Categories: blog, Featured Post, KCPL|Comments Off

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