With 19 locations across Genesee County, the Genesee District Library (GDL) is a vital hub for the community, offering books, movies, music, technology and engaging programs. Serving every community in the county – except the City of Flint, which is covered by the Flint Public Library – GDL welcomes over a million visitors each year, both in person and online.
Behind this treasure trove of resources is a dedicated team that includes two key staff members who help bring the library’s mission to life: Alex Austermann and Kevin Collins.
Alex, Youth Services Librarian, is passionate about inspiring young readers through story times, school visits and literacy programs. After spending much of her career as a government research librarian, she envied public librarians for getting to do “the fun stuff” – and now, she’s thrilled to be engaging with kids and teens, fostering a lifelong love of reading.
On the digital front, Kevin Collins, the Digital Services Librarian, keeps the library’s online presence running smoothly. The Genesee County native maintains the GDL website and helps patrons of all skill levels navigate technology, making the library’s resources more accessible than ever.
Let’s learn a bit more about Alex and Kevin!
1. What’s something people would never guess about you?
AA: I served in the Air Force as a Surgical Technician.
KC: I compete in speed jigsaw puzzle competitions. Participants race to complete a 500-piece puzzle on their own. Last year, I went to the national competition and made it to the final round.
2. What career advice would you give to your younger self?
AA: I don’t really have any – I’ve been pretty happy with the progression of my career and all the things I’ve been able to do and see.
KC: My advice would be to focus on building communication and social skills in the workplace. Being able to sell your ideas and skills is an important skill for not only interviewing for a job, but it’s also essential for advancing in any career.
“I’m excited to have a job that lets me share my love of libraries and all they have to offer!”
Alex Austermann
3. Describe your average weekend.
AA: I’m always excited for a weekend when I have a library program planned! In March for National Reading Month, I have book-themed “Breakout Box” games planned. Patrons solve puzzles to get the combinations for the locks on the box and when they open the box, they get a prize.
KC: I’m an active reader, so most of my weekends are spent catching up on my reading list. I’m a fan of graphic novels, science fiction and mystery novels.
4. What skill would you most like to learn?
AA: I wish my brain would hold on to another language. I took French in high school and college, and I don’t remember any of it. I’d love to learn Spanish and now there are apps, like Mango Languages, that I can use through the library for free.
KC: I would really like to learn a second language – it’s something that I’ve always been interested in, and it’s a very useful skill to have. The GDL provides free access to the Mango Languages app, which lets me dabble in different languages, allowing me to find the one that clicks for me.
5. Where is the coolest place you’ve traveled to?
AA: I don’t have just one. In the Air Force, I was stationed in England and then Germany. The on-base Information, Tickets & Tours office scheduled bus tours on most weekends. I loved being able to hop on the bus and be in another country in a few hours. When I was stationed in Germany, the closest movie theatre was in Luxembourg. It was cool to go to another country to see a movie!
KC: A few years ago, I traveled to Japan and had a wonderful time. My family and I visited Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, travelling between the cities using the high-speed rail. Seeing the contrast between the classic temples and modern technology was fascinating, and I got to try takoyaki (octopus) for the first time! It was tasty.
“Being able to help people bridge the technology gap feels great, and it’s the best part of my career right now.”
Kevin Collins
6. What is the best thing about your career?
AA: Right now, I’m enjoying getting to do “the fun stuff” as a public librarian. I can schedule the types of programs I would like to attend, and I get to travel all over Genesee County meeting people and educating them about what the library offers. I enjoy story time more than I thought I would! I love it when the kids really get into a story or song and seeing them go crazy when I break out the bubbles.
KC: Part of my career involves doing one-on-one technology tutoring at local senior centers, answering questions about their phones or other devices. Being able to help people bridge the technology gap feels great, and it’s the best part of my career right now.
7. What are you most excited about in your life right now?
AA: I’m excited to have a job that lets me share my love of libraries and all they have to offer.
KC: I’m excited for some of the technology programs that we’re rolling out this spring. We are doing programs that will let people experience virtual reality, and programs showing patrons how to use the library’s 3D printers. I can’t wait to introduce this technology to people!
Together, Alex and Kevin are helping shape the GDL experience, ensuring that learning, discovery and connection are always within reach.
