05/15/2026
This week we are so excited to be spotlighting yet another of our 2025 alumni, Kenneth Mack. Kenneth is currently an Adult Services and Engagement Librarian at the Appleton Public Library, but he describes his career journey there as “non-traditional to say the least.” Kenneth worked in conservation before becoming a librarian, and dreamed of being a park ranger prior to finishing his bachelor’s degree at 24, when he needed part time work: “I found myself working at the University of Iowa Law Library as well as the Iowa City Public Library. My creative writing major operating in tandem with my love for a good book, community, and a space for quiet reflection led me to seek those positions. My work in libraries inspired me to pursue my MLIS and continue down the path of librarianship.”
Kenneth describes librarianship as “incredibly gratifying; you see the impact my work has on the community in real time,” going on to describe his favorite part of his job as getting to be “an integral part of the information landscape in my community… my ability to bring educational and recreational opportunities to our patrons comes with the responsibility to ensure it's well sourced, meaningful, and palatable.”
As a recent accomplishment, Kenneth was given the directive to disseminate my library's remaining Libraries Build Business grant funds, a grant subsidized by the American Library Association, stating that from this he “developed, organized, and facilitated my library's first ever Teen Pitch Competition. This was a Shark Tank style competition where students grade 6-12 from the Fox Cities could apply to deliver a pitch to a panel of judges showcasing an idea, invention, product, or service they created and believe to be a viable entrepreneurial endeavor. The top three competitors walked away with $1000, $750, and $500 respectively. This program was a way to show up and coming generations that their ideas are supported, are worth pursuing, and to build their confidence when presenting complex ideas to people.”
We’d like to thank Kenneth for taking the time to talk to us this week!
