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King to retire as CEO of Norfolk County Public Library

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Heather King says she looks forward to spending more time with her family as a grandmother – and having more time to read – as she prepares to retire after eight years as chief executive officer of the Norfolk County Public Library at the end of this year.

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“I feel very humbled to have had a wonderful career as a public servant,” King said. “I have worked with amazing staff and volunteers who have made the journey enjoyable. Without them, many of the goals and projects that I have taken the leadership role on, would not have been successful.”

In the early 1980s King was a preschool story teacher at the Delhi Library, then spent the next 20 years in the Town of Simcoe and Norfolk County’s recreation department, serving as a leisure education co-ordinator, child and youth co-ordinator, and supervisor of community programs.

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During that time she also taught recreation-based courses at Fanshawe and Mohawk colleges, and worked on heart health and cancer prevention efforts with the health unit.

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King has seen a number of changes to the library system over the years, with technology being at the forefront, giving way to digital formats and an online presence.

“This type of progress has been very important to the library as we have been able to maintain an important service to our patrons during the pandemic,” she said. “Public libraries have also been leaders in providing computers and digital devices and formats for all residents since the early 1990s.”

King said many area residents have become more efficient in digital literacy, considering some do not have the means to afford a computer or internet access at home.

She noted that library jobs have moved from a predominantly female market to a diverse workforce, with most staff possessing a library technician diploma, and three who have a Masters in Library Science.

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“Many people think that Google is the answer to a research question, however our library staff are very qualified in assisting patrons in the reader advisory role, research questions and genealogy searches.”

Adam Veri, chair of the county library board, said King’s accomplishments have reshaped the library’s operations.

“She is leaving the organization in a strong financial and strategic position,” Veri noted. “Public perception of the library and engagement in programs and services has never been better.”

When hired as CEO in 2013, King was challenged to grow the number of cardholders, make the library a community hub by increasing programs and partnerships, and operate the library without a deficit.

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“Over the past eight years our number has grown by 14,000,” King noted, with a consistent membership now at 21,000 and partnerships established with over 20 organizations and agencies.

“Patrons report that our facilities are welcoming and safe,” she said, adding that many of the branches have received a facelift, or in the case of the Delhi location a major renovation.

The fiscal goal has also been achieved, to which King attributes credit to the “hardworking and forward thinking” staff and volunteers.

She said she is proud that the local library system is well rounded, and has been able to take advantage of grants and partnerships “that make us a modern library in a rural community.

“For example, all five branches have maker space equipment, literacy based programs, current collections and welcoming spaces for all,” King said. “Public libraries have many opportunities to be a community leader and be community led, as well as serve the important role of book lender and literacy builder.”

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