Heights Libraries is pleased to welcome the newest member of its management team, Kaela Sweeney. Sweeney is the new strategic projects manager, replacing Maggie Kinney, who moved to the Coventry branch manager position in 2021.
Sweeney, who grew up in Georgia and attended college in Ohio, has a background in public education and curriculum development. She taught English, Journalism, Creative Writing, and Public Speaking at both the middle and high school level, and that experience is a big part of what attracted her to Heights Libraries.
“As an educator, I saw firsthand what libraries mean to communities,” said Sweeney. “Many of my students relied on libraries as a center for resources, and I am excited to be in a position where I can be more involved in this aspect of communities.”
Sweeney will explore and research potential services, projects, and programs that will help Heights Libraries continue to meet the needs of its community, and will support those new initiatives with grants that support and sustain the growth of the Library. She will also work closely with other public service managers and staff to support their work on a departmental level.
“When I was a teacher, I had the opportunity to work with so many students, and they impressed and inspired me daily,” said Sweeney. “I also worked as a writing consultant and curriculum writer, and had the opportunity to present my work alongside students at conferences and in academic publications. Most recently, I wrote a chapter for a textbook for new teachers about using young adult climate fiction to teach students about climate change and community action.”
Sweeney’s other areas of responsibility include ensuring public programming is aligned with the Library’s strategic plan and representing the Library at meetings with outside partners.
“I am looking forward to supporting Heights Libraries through research, grant writing, and strong partnerships that will get me involved in the community,” said Sweeney.
