By Darlene Bowers
“I like being part of the community,” shares Kelly Kobiela, an Ada resident of almost two years. “I like living in Ada because I can walk or bike to work,” says Kelly. Kelly came to Ada after seeking employment that would bring her closer to her Auburn, Ind., roots from a job at Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire.
Kelly had spent 2 1/2 years at Colby after earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana University in Bloomington. Kelly is presently systems librarian for technical services at Ohio Northern University’s Heterick Memorial Library where she ensures that all access to databases, online catalogs, libraries and student services are operational.
“But I love the variety too,” states Kelly, “I’m never bored and I enjoy collaboration with my co-workers, faculty and staff and the students.”
Kelly assists occasionally with reference, instructional materials and also marketing. “I get many student emails,” shares Kelly remarking how that keeps her connected and adds to the variety.
Kelly is connected with the Ada Public Library, too. “Academic libraries are very different from public libraries,” states Kelly. “I value public libraries and wanted to get involved,” says Kelly adding that both her grandma and mom are involved in their Friends of the Library organizations.
“When the Ada Public Library hired a new librarian, an effort began to revive the Friends of the Library organization,” states Kelly who eagerly joined that effort. Last year Kelly served as vice president of the organization and this year is president.
“We are focusing on outreach and want to get the word out so people know we exist,” states Kelly. The Friends of the Ada Public Library participated in a benefits fair at the Ada Schools open house, hosted a Halloween Party and a Trivia Night fundraiser and has a booth at the Harvest and Herb Festival each year in September.
Their next big event will take place May 31 when they host a used book sale during the Summer Reading Kickoff party at the Ada Public Library on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Come and sign up for summer reading and buy books!” encourages Kelly.
Historical romance novels are Kelly’s book of choice when reading for leisure. She also reads mystery novels.
“I suppose reading is cliché for a librarian,” states Kelly, “but I do enjoy it. I like to read outside when it’s sunny. I like to read physical books saving iPad or e-reader use for traveling.” Kelly likes the historical romance novels because she says they are “low stress” and always have a happy ending.
This librarian is also a runner. “It’s addictive. All you need is a good pair of running shoes. No other equipment,” advises Kelly. “I started running in 3rd or 4th grade and then stopped but restarted when I moved to New Hampshire. I needed to do something active,” states Kelly since she was driving to work when she had been used to walking.
Kelly immersed herself in a couch to 5K program including intervals of running interspersed with walking to slowly build up her stamina and running time. “There’s a half mile long hill in New Hampshire and it is always part of a 5K race at Thanksgiving time. It was my goal to accomplish that,” shares Kelly. “My dad is a runner and I invited him to run that 5K with me,” explains Kelly who expresses her joy at having this in common with her dad.
The New Hampshire 5K was the start of many more 5K and half marathons including the Findlay half marathon which Kelly will run in October. “I can’t say I love running while I’m doing it, but I feel better after running,” says Kelly who will also run her third Disney half marathon in January.
In addition to running, Kelly is an avid Zumba participant using the dance component of Zumba and the competitive component of running to replace her love of competitive ballroom dancing. “There really isn’t anywhere close for competitive ballroom dancing,” states Kelly.
Kelly began dancing lessons with ballet at age 3 and was in dance 10 years. She participated in winter guard during high school and then ballroom dancing competition during college. “I love to dance on camera,” states Kelly. “Don’t make me talk on camera,” she says, but she comes alive in costume and through dance. “I always liked performance over technique,” she shares. “Some people worry at Zumba if they are doing it right,” states Kelly, “If you are there, you are doing it right!”
Kelly is doing everything right, and we can all enjoy her being a part of the Ada community. Catch up to her soon at a Friends of the Library event, running around town or performing moves at a Zumba class.
For more information about the Friends of the Ada Public Library, contact Kelly at [email protected].
