The following interview is from the Ann Arbor Public Schools' Library Services Department newsletter of November, 2023. Read on to learn more about Tappan's librarian.
Kyle R. Kipp loves working with people of all ages. He has a passion for learning and exploration and considers libraries society’s most essential hubs for enlightenment. Kyle grew up in Lapeer, Michigan (his parents were from Flint and Detroit). He got his teaching certificate in 2000 (BS.ed, Central Michigan University), and started out as a high school and college physics teacher. He became a certified librarian in 2003 (MLIS, Wayne State University) and spent the first many years of his school librarian tenure at the high school level, switching to Tappan Middle School eight years ago. During the summer months, he works as a part time librarian with the Ypsilanti District Library.
Throughout the year, Kyle spends many nights and weekends as a professional performing musician, and also works as an event producer and talent buyer. He’s owned a historic home in downtown Ypsilanti for about 20 years and enjoys cooking, horticulture, travel, bicycling, walking, kayaking, movies, building musical instruments, and spending time with his wife and pet housecat.
- What inspired you to study library science?
- Why are school libraries so important?
- How can a parent encourage their kids to read more?
- What book or books have had the most influence on your life?
- How do you keep students engaged?
What’s also great about the middle school level is the students are feeling a little more “grown up” and seem to look forward to coming to school where they have more time on their hands to really dive into reading bigger books independently. I encourage them to just come hang out in the library and enjoy exploring and reading quietly while they can, before the pressures of being a “grown up” might distract them from these carefree activities.