Born and raised in Norfolk County, Heather King is using her position with the Norfolk County Public Library to make sure they meet the needs of the community.
Born just outside of Port Dover, King left to go to school at Fanshawe College in London, Brock University and Western University for her Master’s degree.
Beginning work with the municipality in the early 1980s, an opportunity came up for King to take on the CEO position at the library following the County’s amalgamation.
King believes that by following the trends seen in bigger cities or bigger centres, the library can adapt them at a different scale to benefit the local community.
One example of this is the development of Makerspaces.
Following the trend of digital literacy, King wanted to ensure that local residents had a place to find technology that may otherwise be unaffordable.
The initiative saw 3D printers, Mac computers with Adobe Creative Suites, Cricut cutters, vinyl cutters and a wide variety of technology brought to the County.
Along with loaning technology and books, the library is committed to the community, highlighted by their efforts to support local projects like Norfolk Remembers.
King is proud of the work they have done to make sure the sacrifices made by local soldiers are not forgotten.
In addition to her role with the library, King sits on the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition as a chairperson.
The King family has a history of involvement with the Hall of Recognition – her father-in-law (Doug King), was one of the first inductees to the Hall in 1994.
Since beginning work with the County in 2001, King has held the role of administrator for the Sports Hall.
With her position, King explains that she gets to see first-hand the pride athletes have when they’re recognized by their community.
Our full interview with King can be heard below: