Amanda Schrauben Selected as KDL Trustee

The Englehardt Library has been a part of Amanda Schrauben’s life for as long as she’s lived in Lowell. A lifelong reader, she soon learned to appreciate that the library was a place for more than just books.

“I initially liked the programming, especially when the kids were young, to get out of the house,” she says.

As a young mother, she brought her sons to a progression of Babytime, Toddler Time and Storytime sessions. The free activities not only broke up the day but also introduced her to other mothers and families in the area.

Now, her boys volunteer as part of the summer Teen Crew, and Schrauben herself is taking her love of the library to the next level. She applied for an open position on the Kent District Library Board of Trustees and was selected as the Region 4 representative.

Active Participant in the Community

Schrauben and her husband Andrew moved to Lowell in 2003. Their two sons are both enrolled in Lowell Middle School, where Schrauben volunteers with the PTO.

Her other volunteer activities include serving on the LCTV Endowment Board and the Lowell Education Foundation Board. She works as an event manager and program manager. (Note: Although she is no longer affiliated with the site, Schrauben was a co-founder of Lowell’s First Look and a co-owner from 2016-2022.)

“I like to give back to the community,” Schrauben shares.

An avid reader – completing 51 titles in 2024 – Schrauben’s favorite genre is historical fiction. She was originally drawn to the library for its books but explains there is so much more to today’s branches than the latest bestsellers.

“They’ve grown up with the times,” she says. “It’s not a place where you go and have to be quiet.”
In addition to books, local libraries have movies, music, games, Wi-Fi hotspots and even blood pressure cuffs that can be borrowed. Those looking for a space to work or meet with others can reserve a study room or pull up a chair in the shared spaces. Meanwhile, branch librarians stand ready to help everyone, from the child researching a report for school to the adult printing resumes for job interviews.

Stepping Into a New Role

Kent District Library has an eight-member board of trustees, and members are appointed by the Kent County Board of Commissioners. A full term is four years, but Schrauben’s term expires at the end of 2025. That’s because she is filling the remainder of the term previously held by Nicole Lintemuth, who moved out of the district.

As the Region 4 trustee, Schrauben represents the City of Lowell as well as Bowne, Lowell and Vergennes Townships. The Englehardt (Lowell) and Alto branches are within the region.

“For now, my goal is just to immerse myself in learning what the board does and what their goals are,” Schrauben says.

In addition to meeting with the KDL executive director and attending her first board meeting, Schrauben met with Kurt Lardie, regional manager for the Englehardt and Alto branches. Already a regular in the Englehardt branch, she took a tour of the Alto branch and learned more about upgrades planned there. In the year to come, she hopes to eventually visit all the KDL branches.

From infants at Babytime to seniors in book clubs, KDL offer opportunities for people of all ages to connect and find resources. Looking forward, Schrauben is excited to be part of an organization that touches the lives of so many.

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