EPL’s new director Kristen Edson sees connection to community as the key to success 

Kristen Edson understands the important place public libraries have in successful communities. She’s bringing her career accomplishments and big dreams to Elkhart as EPL’s new executive director, a role she commenced on Oct. 1. 

Get to know Kristen through a few Q’s and A’s. Find out what brings her joy in her work, her vision for what libraries can accomplish, and how she maybe had one good day with a John Steinbeck book she doesn’t want to pick up again.   

You can reach out to her with your well wishes and thoughts about the library’s present and future at kedson@myepl.org.  

Why do you love libraries? 
Kristen: I love libraries because they’re one of the few places in a community where everyone is welcome — no matter their age, background, or means. My own path wasn’t shaped by always being in libraries as a child, but as an adult, I found my passion there. Libraries are places of connection, discovery, and empowerment. Every day I see how they change lives in ways big and small, and that’s what keeps me inspired. 

What are your priorities for Elkhart Public Library and for getting to know the community? 
Kristen: My first priority is to listen — getting to know staff, patrons, city leaders, and community partners. Elkhart already has strong programs and services, and I want to build on that by learning what’s working and where people see opportunities.  

I also want to be visible in the community — attending events, meeting with schools, local organizations, and city leaders — to build relationships and understand what residents value most. 

What are a few pie-in-the-sky goals you have to connect EPL and the community in the coming years? 
Kristen: One of my biggest dreams is for the library to be seen as a true hub of civic life— a place where the community comes together not only for books and resources, but for connection, creativity, and opportunity.  

That could mean building deeper partnerships with local nonprofits, businesses, and civic organizations; transforming library spaces into vibrant venues for arts, culture, and lifelong learning; and exploring emerging technologies that make access to information easier, more engaging, and more equitable. 

I would especially love to see the Downtown location become a supercharged hub of activity — a regional destination where families come to explore interactive play opportunities for all ages, experience cultural programs, and find a welcoming space that inspires both learning and joy.  

At the same time, I envision EPL stepping into a stronger regional role — collaborating with healthcare providers, small businesses, and community partners to deliver essential services and support directly to Elkhart residents. 

What professional accomplishment exceeded all your expectations and still brings you pride? 
Kristen: I’ve always loved developing programs in partnership with the community, especially when they respond to a real need.  

One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of was leading a small team in Chicago to organize an all-day Genealogy and Local History Conference. We partnered with multiple organizations to create a resource fair, offered four lectures on high-interest topics, and even set up one-on-one consultations where genealogy volunteers worked directly with attendees on their family research. The event was such a success that we held it for two consecutive years, drawing people who might not have otherwise engaged with the library.  

What still brings me pride is seeing the ripple effect — San Francisco Public Library now runs a very similar program, and I like to think that our early efforts helped inspire a model that continues to serve communities today. 

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Why do you love your favorite book? And what’s one we couldn’t pay you to try again? 
Kristen: I love stories that capture both the magic of imagination and the depth of human connection.  

It’s hard to choose a single favorite, but one book I’ve read more than once and often recommend is Anita Diamant’s “The Red Tent.” Its blend of history, storytelling, and the strength of women’s voices continues to resonate with me. 

On the other hand, you couldn’t pay me to read “The Grapes of Wrath” again. I had to get through it once in college. As part of an assignment for an archival administration class on book preservation and disaster response, we got to run an experiment on drying techniques. Let’s just say I actually enjoyed using my copy in a water-damage experiment more than I did reading it the first time!   

Finally, what’s your superpower? 
Kristen: My superpower is the ability to see the big picture while also understanding how all the pieces fit together. It helps me connect ideas, people, and resources in ways that move projects forward. I’d also say my capacity to stay calm, steady, and adaptable under pressure has served me — and my teams — especially well when challenges arise.