For the past forty-one years, ever since she and her husband moved to the Portage area, Kathy Blackburn has been devoted to the children of her community, showing it in every aspect of her life – both professional and personal.
Currently, Blackburn works as the Youth Services Librarian for the South Haven Public Library, where she has worked since February 16, 1982. The then branch manager, Maureen Wittgrem, called her up one day and asked if Blackburn wanted a job, though it was only going to be part-time, and that she would have to talk to the library director first. It was the perfect job at the time, because it still allowed here to continue substitute teaching, which she also really enjoyed doing. Soon, she was able to leave her subbing job behind and move up the ranks at the library, finally landing in the Youth Services department where she has remained ever since.
At South Haven Public Library, Blackburn has many responsibilities to take care of, including: ordering materials for the Youth Services department, planning out and putting on programs, setting up "story times," putting together summer reading programs and math programs, and going on school visits when asked.
"I love working here," Blackburn said. "I have always loved working with children and literature, and here I can do both. It is absolutely gratifying to be able to help children, their parents, and their teachers with whatever they might need."
When she's not working at South Haven Public Library, Blackburn devotes her spare time to many different areas. Currently, she volunteers her time as a church organist for the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Merrillville, which she has been doing for over fifty-one years, and will continue to do, because she loves to. She also volunteers her time as the president of her church's council. She also volunteers her time to storytelling, completely separate from her job.
"I love everything I do," Blackburn said. "If anyone asks me to do something, I'm more than happy to oblige. Whether it's playing the organ at church or telling stories to children for fun – I couldn't imagine doing anything else."
She loves to read, especially books by James Patterson, Janet Evanovich, and the Women's Murder Club books. She also enjoys giving piano lessons to anyone who asks, which has been one of her hobbies for a very long time, and she likes cooking for her family and friends. In less than three weeks, Blackburn will be retiring from her position at the South Haven Public Library, which she will miss dearly, but will have so much more time to enjoy her volunteer work and to devote to her hobbies.
