Librarians are known for inspiring children to explore new worlds in books and helping to answer questions for homework, but they often go above and beyond in important and inspiring ways.
Kim Neipling was always involved in supporting libraries. As a high school student she could be often found in her library in El Centro, CA working part time in the children’s section. She formed a close relationship with the librarian, Romaine Magee, who was also a friend of Kim’s grandmother. When Kim left to attend California State University, Long Beach, Romaine sent her $50 every month to help support her studies. This act of kindness and generosity stayed with Kim and motivated her to look for ways to give back.
In 2007, Kim’s friend Lorrie Hutton invited her to join the Board of Directors of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation. As a Board member she co-chaired the event committee for the Library Foundation’s signature Grape Expectations fundraiser for four years in a row. She was also elected to the roles of Secretary, Nominating Chair, and Vice President of Board Development and invited several people to join the Board and watched them flourish in their dedication to libraries.
Having earned her degree in Microbiology Medical Technology, Kim continues to be inspired by how the Long Beach Public Library advances and provides new and exciting services. When the makerspace Studio opened at Main Library in 2014, Kim was amazed to see high school students and older retired patrons learning new technology and software in the same space. She witnessed a 3D model of a heart being printed in the Studio and was proud to be involved with a Library that is so ahead of its time.
From her time helping out her local library to raising funds for library programs and helping the Library Foundation grow, Kim is a true champion of literacy and education in Long Beach.
