“I grew up in the Twin Ports and went to high school and college in Duluth,” said Susan Heskin, Library Director at the Superior Public Library. “I have a BA from UMD and a Master of Library and Information Science from University of Texas at Austin. I’ve always loved reading and libraries, but my college job at the Duluth Public Library gave me the idea that I could turn this love into a career. I worked at the Texas State Library and then the Two Harbors Public Library, where I was the director for 17 years. I came to the Superior Public Library as the library director in 2011. My job involves managing all aspects of day-to-day operations, but it is mostly planning for future services, working with the Library Board, the staff, the City of Superior and other stakeholders to develop and carry out our library’s mission.”
As might be expected of a person who has made helping others appreciate literature their life’s work, Heskin said it’s a great pleasure for her to see how much people benefit from the library.
“Our library changes people’s lives every day, and it is exciting to see,” Heskin enthused. “We introduce children and teens to the love of reading through our storytimes, events and reading programs. We offer public computers and other services that connect people to jobs, support services, legal and medical care, educational opportunities and their loved ones. The library offers learning and creativity programs, as well as meeting spaces where people can gather for community projects or simply study in a quiet environment. And SPL has a wonderful collection of materials – print, AV and downloadable ebooks and audiobooks. We even have a Library of Things where you can check out everything from puzzles and yard games to equipment such as microscopes and metal detectors. I’m proud of how the Superior Public Library encourages young readers, inspires imagination at all ages and connects citizens with each other.”
Heskin said the library is an ever-evolving, always-improving thing. “I’m especially proud of our 2018 remodel that made the library much more attractive, secure and user-friendly,” she noted. “We also started the Superior Public Library Foundation to support our long-term growth, went fine-free to help more people rediscover the library and purchased a book bike – named the Page Peddler – to increase our reach into the community. A recent highlight is the launch in June of our StoryWalk in Billings Park, a fun cooperative project with the Parks Department.”
More changes are in the offing for the near future. “This fall, we’ll be rebuilding our Tower Avenue parking lot with green infrastructure, improved lighting and native plantings,” Heskin said. “It will be more attractive and improve safety. We’ll also be participating in AARP’s Senior Planet program, offering digital literacy and lifestyle classes both at the library and out into the community.”
Heskin’s busy, but she’s got time to explore her interests fully, both reading-related and non. “I enjoy meeting the people who use the library and live in the community,” she said. “I’m active in the Superior Rotary Club and recently spent a year as club president. In my spare time, I like to travel, sing in choirs and, of course, read. I have over 500 books on my to-read list and I’m almost always reading a print book, an audiobook and an e-book at the same time.”
