News: Thorp – New Public Library Director (Jul 2019)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Kuipers

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 17 Jul 2019

The newest member of the Thorp Public Library is Anne Kuipers of Cadott. Born in South Dakota, she moved to Cadott when she was four and considers herself a fully- fledged Wisconsinite. "I may be a transplant," said Kuipers, "but I've put down roots and plan on staying for good."

Kuipers graduated from U.W. Eau Claire with a BA double-majoring in History and English in 2015. She then received a Master's degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Iowa in 2017.

"After graduating, I concentrated on finding a job in my field that would keep me in the upper Midwest. During my search I worked at an academic testing facility. Throughout my experience, I volunteered and worked at a variety of different libraries, both academic and public, including the Longfellow Elementary School in Eau Claire and the Center for Public Justice Archives in Sioux Center, Iowa."

Kuipers has always felt a connection to libraries. When she was a kid her parents would take her and her sister to the library at least once a week to check out books. By the time she made it to high school she had already decided she wanted to be a librarian.

"It was one of the best choices in my life," Kuipers said. "I love being able to help people find the information that they seek and to facilitate a love of literature and knowledge that lasts for generations."

Outside of the library, Kuipers loves to crochet and sew. She also likes paper-crafts and currently she is mastering the art of knitting. Kuipers is also a lover of fantasy and non-fiction books, with a soft spot for picture books that she never outgrew from her childhood. She also enjoys baking and is working to expand her repertoire beyond dessert dishes.

Currently, Kuipers intends to keep the library flowing as it has been. She wishes to get a better understanding of the library as well as community desires before she decides to make any changes in the way the library operates.

"Currently the library is running smoothly and I want to continue the tradition. I would love to set up some sort of crafting night and get more involved in promoting local history in the library.

I am really excited to be here and hope that I am able to become a part of the community. The library is a special place in any community and I am glad that I have a great foundation to continue upon. I am looking forward to serving Thorp and the public library."