The Halton Hills Public Library's manager of community engagement is set to take the reins as the interim CEO and chief librarian on Oct. 1.
Beverley King will assume the role left vacant by the early retirement of Melanie Southern, who had been at the HHPL for two years, steering the institution through the pandemic. The decision was spurred by a family relocation opportunity, according to the library.
“It has been an absolute delight and privilege to work for the Halton Hills community and I couldn’t have asked for a better staff and more informed and engaged board of directors,” said Southern.
King, who has been with the library since 2003, has watched it grow and expand greatly. With the completion of the expansion projects at both branches between 2011 and 2013, the library was “able to see real growth in what we were able to offer in the community. We tried to make it a destination and an inclusive destination,” she said.
King met her husband in Alberta when she went there for her co-op placement. The pair moved to Georgetown in 2003 and she was brought on as a librarian at the HHPL that same year.
In her time here, she has developed the library's first adult program, employment resources, and many community partnerships, such as with the business community, among other initiatives.
Over the years after creating the adult program, services for the grownups like lectures and a creative wreath design program became part of the mix. Seniors programs, like ones that help people with mobility issues and others that teach how to protect against fraud in partnership with the police, were also included.
“I’m excited to continue the incredible work that we at the Halton Hills Public Library provide to our residents,” said King. “With the new strategic plan we will continue to empower the community through technology, programming, and collections, and fostering imagination, innovation, opportunity and life-long learning.”
The new permanent CEO will not be selected until next year or so. The timing of Southern’s retirement close to the municipal election means a new library board will need to be chosen first. A new library strategic plan will also be introduced in October.
“We are excited that Beverley has agreed to take on this important role,” said library board chair Keith Medenblik. “Beverley brings a wealth of experience and an established track record of success and leadership.”
