EDUCATION
THE LIBRARY LEADER
Michael Kenny, executive director of the Library Foundation of Martin County, sees libraries as the lifeblood to a community.
BY DONNA CRARY
Michael Kenny, the executive director of the Library
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Foundation of Martin County, sees libraries as a vital
link to a community. They are important places
of outreach where people can gather information,
read a book and meet for all kinds of programs.
“I firmly believe that the United States is the greatest
country on Earth, and the reason for that is opportunity,”
he says. “In order to avail yourself of opportunity, you need
access to information and libraries provide that access,
regardless of the color of your skin, gender, socioeconomic
status or religion. Libraries welcome everyone. It’s a
cornerstone of our community.”
Kenny’s passion for reading and the role that libraries
play began early on as a young child. He fondly remembers
spending time at his hometown library while growing up in
New Providence, N.J.
“I love libraries and I’m a voracious reader,” he says. “One
of my earliest memories in life, I can picture it like it was
yesterday, is being 3 years old. I can remember walking into
the library for storyhour where my mother was one of the
ANTHONY INSWASTY
volunteer readers.”
This love for books served him well as a young man. He
earned a bachelor’s degree in business with high honors from
the Rochester Institute of Technology. He spent the early part
of his career working for exclusive five-star resorts including
the celebrated Greenbrier in West Virginia, the Boca Raton
Hotel and Club and the Key Biscayne Hotel and Villas. One
of his shining moments was helping coordinate an international
trade summit at the Key Biscayne Hotel and Villas
during the Reagan Administration.
Many on the Treasure Coast got to know Kenny when he
was district director for former Rep. Patrick Murphy. While
working for the congressman, he became familiar with the
people and organizations in the area.
“One of the things that is so special about this community
is, unlike some of the larger metropolitan parts of South
Florida, people here are still so engaged and involved in
improving the quality of life,” he says.
Today, Kenny leads the foundation with great enthusiasm.
He promotes libraries as centers where many activities take >>
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