The Erlanger Branch of the Kenton County Public Library is celebrating 20 years at its permanent home.
In 1914 the Erlanger Library was established by the Erlanger Women’s Club. Volunteers and one librarian operated this library.
The community embraced the Erlanger Branch Library despite relocating to several locations over the years. On Oct. 13, 2002, the Erlanger Branch opened at 401 Kenton Lands Road.
In the state of Kentucky, the Kenton County Public Library is now the No. 1 system and the Erlanger Branch is the busiest.
Six people who opened the branch 20 years ago still work for KCPL; Kari Jones, program coordinator of the Covington Branch; Lise Tewes, school services coordinator; Jennifer Beach, outreach programmer; Monica Robertson, collections specialist; Steve Stotts, collections services and Pam Baker, systems technician at the Erlanger Branch.
“I put the books on the shelf in the current building,” said Jones who began working there at age 17.
She’s not the only one who worked her way up from a part-time position to a supervisor. Tewes worked part-time at the former location and went full-time when the library opened on Kenton Lands.
“I love working at the library and making a difference in the lives of children and families,” said Tewes. It’s so rewarding. I have thought to myself numerous times over the years, ‘I can’t believe they pay me to do this; It’s so fun!’ Seeing the new building open in 2002 was a huge step for me personally and for the whole community. The way the community responded to that building was amazing. They were truly grateful and so excited to enjoy such a beautiful facility and all the great programs that we could do in that wonderful space.”
In 2018, the Erlanger Branch expanded to add larger meeting rooms and a maker space known as the STREAM Center. The branch now has an auditorium that can accommodate 450 people, allowing the branch to host concerts and other large events.
The Kenton County Public Library now has five branches – Erlanger, Independence, Covington Outreach (including a book mobile) and the Online Branch.
The library will Party Like It’s 2002 throughout October with several programs at the Erlanger Branch:
Lunch n’ Learn
Oct. 13, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Erlanger Branch’s Kenton Lands Road location with a talk by Dave Schroeder, the library’s executive director. Boxed lunch from Kremer’s Market will be provided.
Happy Anniversary: Dance Party
Oct. 13, 6-8 p.m.
An old-fashioned anniversary party highlights the month-long celebration of the Erlanger Branch building’s 20 Years in existence. Join fellow patrons and staff along with a DJ dance party, Photo Booth, refreshments and activities for the family to celebrate this great space!
2000’s Game Night
Oct. 24, 4-5 p.m.
To celebrate the Erlanger branch’s 20th anniversary, we will play video games and tabletop games from the 2000’s.
Elevation: The U2 Tribute Show
Oct. 29, 6:30-8 p.m.
Since 2002, Elevation has paid homage to the sounds of U2, performing worldwide. This show celebrates two twentieth anniversaries – Elevation’s 20 years of performing together and the Erlanger Branch Library’s 20 years in its current location. Have a rockin’ good time with this special U2 tribute! U2 costumes are encouraged but not required. Registration is required at kentonlibrary.org/events
Visit kentonlibrary.org to learn more about their upcoming events in observance of 20 years.