Blaine Library welcomes new branch manager Jonathan Jakobitz

Jonathan Jakobitz was promoted from Blaine Library’s interim manager to permanent manager February 1.

Filling long-time former manager Debby Farmer’s footsteps, Jakobitz said he is honored by the appointment. Farmer trained and encouraged him to apply for interim manager when she left in June 2021.

“This is truly an alignment of my passions and my work life,” Jakobitz said. “It’s wonderful working someplace you love.”

Jakobitz, 43, earned his master’s degree in library and information science from Kent State University in December 2019. He’s lived in Whatcom County for 15 years and is originally from Bellevue.

In August 2020, Jakobitz started as a substitute public service assistant (PSA) for Whatcom County Library System. After six months, he became a PSA at the Blaine branch where his responsibilities included working the circulation counters and helping patrons in the building.

As a PSA, he helped patrons do a lot more than find books and movies. A recent problem was people needing help with the ArriveCAN app, which is the smartphone application needed to enter Canada. If someone didn’t have a smartphone, Jakobitz would help them use the library’s computer and manually print out permission to travel.

Jakobitz’s primary goal as library manager is reconnecting the Blaine community. He said he wants to reduce isolation created during the pandemic through the library taking part in more community events. 

“We are here. We are a community resource, too,” Jakobitz said. “Not only to help people find books, movies or music, but also to serve people for whatever they need.”

Correction: This article has been updated to correct the university where Jonathan Jakobitz earned his master's degree. We regret the error.