Each month, we feature a Core member for an interview profile called #IAmCore. This month, meet Kevin A. R. King, Director of the East Lansing Public Library in Lansing, MI. Kevin is Core’s President-Elect for the 2024-2025 term, set to become President for the 2025-2026 term. Make sure to read until the very end for the mixtape he put together for this feature!
Describe yourself in three words.
Innovative, Funny, Nimble (mentally).
Describe Core in three words.
Innovative, Resolute, Wise.
What do you value about Core?
Core is the only division in ALA with a clear stated purpose to grow and support leaders. The profession is very much in need of strong, compassionate, and wise leaders.
How long have you been a Core member?
I have been a member since the inception of the division, a C-OG. Before that, I was a longtime member of LLAMA.
What drew you to and continues to attract you to the Core Community?
Core is made up of library workers who are not only super intelligent but are also people who want to get their hands dirty. My tolerance level is low when it comes to inaction.
What are you working on now that you’re excited about?
After 27 years, I decided to take a job as the Director of the East Lansing (MI) Public Library. My days have been filled with learning about my team at the community. Currently, we are in the middle of a strategic plan process, which is my jam!
What are you currently reading/ listening to/ watching/ making?
I am reading Horror Movie by Paul Trembly, listening to the track “The Trench Coat Museum” by Yard Act on repeat, watching Season 3 of Shoresy on Hulu, and playing the video game Baldur’s Gate 3. I did make cinnamon rolls this morning.
What advice can you share to others for a fulfilling and beneficial Core experience?
The most common answer is to get involved, and I could not agree more. When you are finally on a Core committee, task force, squad, etc., do not be afraid to contribute. The division will cease to grow if the talent from within is silent. My bonus piece of advice is something that took me forever to learn, everyone we work with deserves dignity and respect.
Anything else?
Can you feel that surging wave of excitement in ALA? That is coming from Core. A division committed to building library leaders, supporting the literal core pieces of our institutions, and promoting ideas that will shake the foundations of the library world. Core does not want to be just another division that you sign up for just because you want to attend the symposium. Core wants to take you in with open arms, support your ideas, and promote the best in all its members. This is why I wanted to become Core President. Join me on this wave.
