Garrettsville – A friendly, familiar face will be leaving from the staff of the Garrettsville and Windham libraries. Kathleen Kozup, Branch Manager of both the Garrettsville and Windham Library will be retiring at the end of June. Kozup first began working for the Portage County District Library 19 years ago, managing the Garrettsville Library. In 2009, she began managing the Windham Library in a dual capacity. As branch manager of the Windham Library, Kozup held an instrumental role in its transition from the former site to its present location within the Renaissance Family Center. Previous to her work experience at Portage County District Library, Kozup worked for Warren-Trumbull County Public Library, Youngstown-Mahoning County Public Library, Bristol Public Library, and she worked in school libraries while living in Australia for a few years.
“I have really liked Portage County because of the friendly patrons in Garrettsville and Windham,” says Kozup. “I appreciate their support. I have been blessed with a number of dedicated, caring staff members at both branches who really enjoy working with our patrons. I’ll miss talking about books and tutoring patrons on using computers.” In addition to her fond memories and thoughts regarding patrons and staff members, Kozup comments on the Portage County District Library’s attempts at passing a levy. “My greatest regret is that we have been unable to pass a levy for the Portage County District Library. I would have liked to have seen us restore hours and add even more services than we have. There is so much potential for growth and additional services for the public. We’ve been very fortunate to have support in the community. I don’t know what we would do without our volunteers and Friends of the Library.”
And what does Kozup have planned for her retirement? “I hope to do a bit of ‘rest and relax’ while I spend more time with my grandchildren, travel to visit my more distant children, resume craft work, and read often of course!”
