HALTON HILLS, ON/ September 13, 2022 - The Library Board announces the early retirement of Melanie Southern, Chief Librarian and CEO of Halton Hills Public Library (HHPL), a decision prompted by a family relocation opportunity.
Southern has been with HHPL for over 2 years and was instrumental in moving the library forward during the pandemic and advancing a variety of initiatives. Accomplishments over the past few years include implementing year-long Sunday openings, fundraising through the Community Foundation of Halton North, and supporting capital infrastructure projects such as the Georgetown Library and Culture Centre Plaza and the Acton Reading Deck. Of particular note has been spearheading the development of the Library’s new strategic plan and brand which will carry the library through to 2027.
“We greatly appreciated Melanie’s dedication and commitment during her time at HHPL,” says Keith Medenblik, Library Board Chair. “We will certainly miss her leadership and wish her the best in whatever comes next.”
“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,” says Southern.
To address the vacancy of the Chief Librarian and CEO role, Beverley King, Manager of Community Engagement will assume the role in an acting capacity, beginning October 1, 2022.
“We are excited that Beverley has agreed to take on this important role,” says Medenblik. "Beverley brings a wealth of experience and an established track record of success and leadership. Her commitment to excellence will be invaluable in advancing HHPL’s strategic direction and further strengthening the library’s strategic goals to meet the needs of our community.”
King is a collaborative leader with over 19 years of library and community building experience in Halton Hills. She is a passionate community and public library advocate with proven success embracing new technologies and formalizing strategic partnerships and foundational expertise in
library leadership. King completed the Public Library Leader’s Program and holds a Master of Library and Information Sciences (MLIS) from Western University.
“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.”
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