FOR TONYA KENNON, TAKING A JOB as Riverside County Librarian meant coming full circle.

Kennon comes to the county from the Tustin Unified School District, where she managed 26 libraries and 29 librarians. But her roots are in Riverside County, where she grew up, learned to love libraries and graduated from California Baptist University in Riverside.

Kennon, a Riverside County native who lives in Moreno Valley, got her first library job at the old Robidoux Branch Library, when she was a senior at Rubidoux High School.

Kennon said she was thrilled recently to attend the grand opening of the new library in Rubidoux. But she still has fond memories of the old branch library, where she started working when the facility was still located on Tilton Avenue.

“That is where I really fell in love with libraries,” said Kennon, who later earned a MLIS from San Jose State University. “It’s where I learned how to serve the community, how to fold the flag, everything. So this is a homecoming for me.”

Mrs. Kennon has extensive experience in library administration and in the implementation of new technologies. Her skill set includes strategic planning, library design, budget development and growing library circulation.

For more information and a list of all county libraries, please visit www.riverside.lib.ca.us