By Hannah Moulds, Community Engagement Librarian
Women's History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women around the world. This year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations,” highlights the vital role women play in shaping the future. In libraries, that impact is especially profound—more than 80% of library professionals are women. From curating new books to organizing major programs like On the Same Page, women are the driving force behind so much of what makes our library system thrive. Join us in recognizing some of the incredible women who work behind the scenes to make KDL the inspiring place it is today.
Sheri Glon
I’ve worked at KDL for almost 20 years in various roles, mostly behind the scenes. In my current role as the Data Coordinator, I compile statistics and create reports and data visualizations to help analyze the services that we provide and plan for the future.
Since this role was created, KDL has had an increasing focus on making data-driven decisions. I’ve assisted in developing targets for our Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and built a Data Dashboard that allows us to see at a glance whether we are meeting them. I also especially enjoy calculating how much library users have saved each year by checking out materials from KDL instead of purchasing them (over $98 million in total and an average of $1,385 per individual user in 2024 – see our recent Community Report for this and more statistics compiled by yours truly).
I’ve always loved Women’s History & Literature and can’t choose just one! I’ve recently enjoyed reading through the She Persisted series of biographies with my daughter, learning more about women throughout history (both well-known and not) who spoke up and fought for what they believed in.
Hannah Lewis
My name is Hannah Lewis and I'm a Community Engagement Librarian for Kent District Library. I'm a firm believer in information access and community engagement allows me to bring the library in untraditional spaces. I've been with KDL for nine years.
I'm most proud of the collaborative work between KDL and other organizations throughout West Michigan. Groups like Frederick Meijer Gardens, Glimpse of Africa, and the Literacy Center of West Michigan work with KDL to create innovative programming, and events for all to enjoy. I've had the good fortune to work in KDL library branches of varying sizes and our headquarters in Comstock Park. I'm quite proud to be one of the drivers of the bookmobile that serves all of Kent County. I've also had a hand in the creation of KDL's Next Nexus panelist series, Concerts for the Community, Hygiene Lockers and Little Free Library. I look forward to being a part of KDL's growth to better serve the community.
My grandmother Elaine Lewis is a huge inspiration. She taught me the importance of leadership, empathy, creativity, and how to have a sense of humor. She had a wit that could not be beat and believed in the power of women in leadership. I wouldn't be who I am today without her in my life.
Katie Zuidema
I am the Marketing Communications Specialist for KDL. I have the honor of promoting all the wonderful things about KDL in a variety of ways, including writing and media relations.
I started working at KDL way back in 2002. I was young, shy and very nervous. Over the years, I have found my voice and gained so much confidence. I love being part of the MarCom team and collaborating with some of the most talented, creative people I know!
My mom is a huge inspiration to me. Though her main accomplishments didn't come from the professional world, she is admired and respected by so many people due to her kind and generous spirit. She has taught me that a valuable legacy is built through humble service.
Laurie Winkler
I've worked at KDL for 19 years in the Collection Services department, where I purchase the physical materials selected by our collection development staff for circulation in our branches. Additionally, I track MeL items and handle invoices for damaged or unreturned MeL books. My role involves communication and problem-solving within my department, while also collaborating with other departments and branch staff to ensure efficiency and deliver materials to our patrons as quickly as possible.
I greatly admire women who not only take care of themselves and their families but also support and encourage others through mentoring relationships. As a child, my parents both worked, and the woman who was there for me after school was my neighbor, Mrs. Ruth Potter. She provided friendship during my early years, creating many happy memories that I still cherish.
Emily Whalen
As a Finance Manager at Kent District Library, I oversee budgeting and financial planning to ensure resources are allocated effectively. My role allows me to balance fiscal responsibility with KDL's Vision of being an indispensable community resource for enriching lives through access to person discovery for all.
Over the past year, I spearheaded the restructuring of the Finance department and earned my Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) designation. I was honored to be recognized for this achievement at AGA’s National Training in Denver and now serve as President of the AGA West Michigan Chapter. I’m also proud of my work on the Free Printing Sustainability Project, ongoing efforts with the EDI Advisory Group, and my contributions beyond the office—playing softball for the KDL BOOKS, coaching my son’s soccer team, and actively volunteering at his school.
I have been blessed to have passionate, smart, and independent women shape my life. From my grandma going back to school in her late 50s, to my mom earning national recognition as a programming coordinator when I was a teen, to my first accounting teacher, Mrs. D, who opened my eyes to the endless opportunities in this field. In college, Professor Cook taught me how to stand strong in the face of sexism, know my worth and build confidence in my profession.
Beyond mentors, I’ve also been deeply inspired by incredible women artists who have shaped my world through music—Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Alanis Morissette, Aaliyah, Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Pink, Miranda Lambert, Chappell, Halsey, Lizzo, Miley, Nicki, Taylor—the list could go on and on. Their voices and artistry have been a constant source of strength, motivation, and empowerment.
Here’s to the women who educate, inspire, and pave the way for future generations!
Elizabeth Guarino-Kozlowicz
I started to think about becoming a librarian when I was in 5th grade. We had moved to a new town, and every day after school the bus would drop me off at the library. I found it to be so comforting and to provide a form of escape and inspiration to have access to so many books and quiet spots to read.
I've had the honor of working at KDL for 19 years, starting as a Librarian at our Grandville Branch, serving as Branch Manager of our Caledonia Branch for 10 years, and in my current role as Collection Services Manager for almost five years.
I was instrumental in the successful opening of the Caledonia Township Branch. In my current role, I get to lead the team that purchases, catalogs and processes all of our library materials--making sure our patrons can find materials that represent them and their interests.
Eleanor Roosevelt has always been inspiring to me. She was ahead of her time on civil and human rights for all people. I was so inspired by her that I named my daughter Eleanor! My favorite Eleanor Roosevelt quote is "It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself."
Hennie Vaandrager
My name is Hennie Vaandrager, and I am the Programming and Outreach Manager at KDL. I have worked at KDL for 26 years, my entire career! In my current role, I oversee system-wide programming and outreach efforts. I get to work with talented people from across the system to bring amazing programs to our patrons, both in the branches and out in the community.
I have led probably thousands of storytimes during my time as a Youth Librarian at the Kentwood branch. I am proud of playing a small part in helping young children fall in love with books and reading. I am also proud of KDL’s innovative and extensive programming. In particular, our On the Same Page program has been a labor of love.
I am inspired every day by the woman I work alongside of here at KDL. I feel passionately about lifting up and recognizing the work of my coworkers and I am regularly in awe of the work my female colleagues do to bring top-notch library services to our patrons. I feel honored to have a job that I love and that I can conduct alongside some amazing women collaborators and leaders.
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