New senior library coordinator loves his work

Last month Kevin Drinka was named senior coordinator at the Maricopa Community Library.

He enjoys his work so much that he has switched from his previous career field, media arts and animation, and will be getting his master’s degree in Library and Information Science in May.

Illinois is Drinka’s home state; he grew up in Crystal Lake and lived there until he was married and purchased his first home in Woodstock. He and wife Jennifer have a daughter, Eleanor, who will be two-years-old in March.

Seven years ago, Drinka started his library career in Crystal Lake’s public library in the reference department. That experience was a portal to a new career, and he enrolled in an online program to obtain a library science degree. When he and his wife moved to Arizona, he found a library assistant position in Maricopa and was promoted to library coordinator in 2006.

Until a library manager is hired, Drinka, as senior coordinator, will act in that capacity. He performs most of the cataloging at the library and reviews procedures, modifying them if necessary.

Together, Drinka and the department’s director, Marty McDonald, work on reviewing and updating policies for the library.

Asked about new additions to the local library, Drinka indicated that staff is currently updating a lot of nonfiction and reference books for both children and adults. More bestsellers and CD audio books are being added each month.

Drinka also spoke about his plans for the Maricopa Community Library. “I hope the library can offer more story times for children and more programs for young adults… It is also my hope to have the library offer some computer basics classes for adults.”

Photo by Joyce Hollis