Andrea Vernola

If you are in Kalamazoo on a Saturday, you might want to check out Andrea Vernola’s First Saturdays at KPL. Responding to a request from the school superintendent, First Saturdays at KPL was created to promote literacy and increase family usage of the public library. Through creative partnering with various community organizations, First Saturdays initially attracted 300 people and continues to grow. Collaboration with the public schools has also produced programming for literacy nights for families to showcase the library’s programming and ways to help their children with reading. Andrea also utilizes social media to connect patrons to the library’s Pinterest page filled with literacy tips, craft ideas and children’s booklists.