Manthei the Librarian

• READ

  
  

  Wai’anae, HI
  
  October 13, 2015
  
  David Manthei came from a small town of Winslow, Arizona. In that small town lies a library where his passion for literature developed.  This passion led to his life as a librarian at Wai`anae High School.  
  
  When asked about his outlook on being a librarian, Manthei said, "This job is amazing. It's probably the best job on campus and I love having it."  
  
  According to him, the library was very “drab.”
  
  There was no excitement and he wanted to change that around. He began three years ago, transforming the library into a work of art. Manthei wanted students to come to the library not only to use it as a resource, but also to share the same passion for literature that he developed as a student. For three years he painted the walls, added pop-up colors and art pieces, placed student paintings, and stood outside inviting students into the library to view recently made movies that are based on books. In the early morning hours, he comes to work and sips his coffee ready to start the day.
  
  “This is the best job on campus,” he said.
  
  Although it seems like smooth sailing for Manthei, every story has its obstacles. For David Manthei, money is one and they count on voluntary work to make everything work.  It is slow progress but it is still progress.