HOPKINSVILLE, KY – Kiwana Bridges, youth services librarian at Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library, has been honored by the Kentucky Public Library Association, KPLA, as one of the Fresh Faces of 2025.
The Fresh Faces Program highlights the contributions of public library staff throughout Kentucky and encourages idea-sharing among regions, specialties and library sizes. Kiwana, affectionately known as Ms. Kiwi by the library’s youth, was surprised to be nominated for the accolade, much less selected.
“It feels so surreal,” she said. “I love my job because it’s fun and brings me joy, so being recognized for my work is genuinely one of the proudest moments of my life.”
Each year, eight KPLA members are selected, two from each Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, KDLA, region – whose ideas and efforts are moving their libraries into the future. KPLA members of any age who have been in their current position (full or part-time, certified or uncertified) in a public library for five years or fewer are eligible.
In the year Kiwana has served as Youth Librarian at HCCPL, she has developed several new programs including monthly “Fandom Frenzy” events, “Sensory Storytime,” and “Dungeons and Dragons: Teen Edition.”
“This award has given me the kick I need to feel more confident about what can be accomplished,” she said. “If you thought my plans were crazy before, you haven’t seen anything yet!”
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