It takes a community to inspire students to reach their full potential, providing support, guidance, and encouragement from educators, families, and community leaders every step of the way. Today, we would like to introduce you to Kahlil Griffin, who Lives United by inspiring literacy and a love for reading throughout our community.
Kahlil is the manager of the newest Kenosha Public Library (KPL) Kids at Uptown. He has been a valuable team member at KPL, and a dedicated community volunteer, for just over two years. Previously, he was a children’s librarian in Dekalb County, located near Atlanta, Georgia.
At last year’s 100 Years, 100+ Volunteers: A Day of Service, Kahlil was recognized as the 2023 volunteer person of the year. As a volunteer, Kahlil wears many hats, including volunteering at Brass Elementary School once a week where he typically eats lunch with students, helps them with homework, and serves as a mentor. Additionally, he is a member of Kenosha’s Coalition for Dismantling Racism, the Kindness Committee, UW-Parkside EDI Committee, and serves as the Chair of the Wisconsin Library Association’s Support Staff and Circulation Services Committee.
Most importantly, he enjoys giving back to the Kenosha community by working with and helping youth.
“Youth are our future,” says Kahlil Griffin, manager at Kenosha Public Library. “So being able to plant knowledge into students is very important.”
So, when Kahlil heard about Readers are Leaders through his previous supervisor, Barbara Brattin, it sounded like the perfect opportunity to get involved further. Although Kahlil does not have a specific favorite memory, he loves serving as a Readers are Leaders tutor and has previously enjoyed working with students at Brass and Mckinley Elementary Schools.
Kahlil believes that being involved in the community is important for a few reasons. First, it is important that students and adults see a young professional who cares about their community, which could motivate others to become a volunteer too. Secondly, he is naturally a giver and enjoys being able to pour his knowledge and energy into the community where he works and lives.
To learn more about Readers Are Leaders and to become a volunteer tutor like Kahlil, click here.