Kit Lorelied Named Tualatin's Employee of the Year for 2022

The City of Tualatin’s Employee of the Year program is designed to recognize the work and actions of the City’s employees, which bring credit to the City and improve our ability to deliver excellent service to Tualatin’s customers.  This year, Kit Lorelied, Librarian II in the Tualatin Public Library, was selected as Tualatin’s 2022 Employee of the Year. 

Kit was hired as an On-Call Librarian I in August 2008 and transferred to an On-Call Public Services Assistant in June 2009; they were hired in a part-time status in June 2010, awarded full-time status in November 2018, and ultimately was promoted to Tualatin’s first STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Librarian II in May 2021.

In October 2022, the Library’s Makerspace celebrated its first highly successful year having seen over 3,500 people come in to use the space. The success of the Makerspace is thanks in large part to STEAM Librarian Kit Lorelied who oversees everything to do with the Makerspace, including programs offered, equipment that is available, and engagement with users. Kit has developed numerous ways for visitors to interact with the Makerspace including drop-in labs, monthly themed projects, one-time and recurring programs, and individual use appointments.

Kit consistently takes initiative to develop passive and active program ideas, contributes to the continual improvement of the Library and Makerspace, and is innovative. In their year as STEAM Librarian, Kit has explored and learned all manner of technology, from troubleshooting 3D printers to rethreading a sewing machine, turning a corner of the Library into an explosion of engineering, science, creativity, and straight-up fun.

Kit is known for serving Tualatin’s patrons with a smile and a confidence that speaks to their extensive skills and experience. They can help a 4-year old find dinosaur books and then turn around and help a senior do genealogy research. Kit tracks down warming shelters for a houseless patron and then pivots to recommend a slate of great graphic novels to an eager teen, all with a wonderful sense of humor that endears them to co-workers and patrons alike.

Kit strives in their work to support equity, both for community members and co-workers, often advocating for others to ensure they have equitable opportunity and access. Kit looks for ways to bring learning and creative opportunities to the community through outreach beyond the Library’s walls.

Kit consistently demonstrates Tualatin’s core values of TEAMWORK, RESPECT, having a ONE CITY mindset, EMPOWERMENT, PROBLEM-SOLVING, CUSTOMER SERVICE, and being NON-BUREAUCRATIC in a multitude of ways every day.

The Tualatin City Council presented Kit with a proclamation at their March 13 business meeting.