Heikens starts new chapter at Hartley library

Angie Heikens loves turning pages, whether in a good book or in life.

The rural May City woman took over as director of the Hartley Public Library last week. Her rise to the top was quick – she started as the facility's youth program director in January and was recently approached by the board when the head position opened up.

"I originally said no, but I thought about it some more and realized I hadn't really been challenged for a while," Heikens said. "I came around to the idea and said let's do this."

Heikens had no prior library experience when she took the youth program director position earlier this year, but she's no stranger to books. She became an avid reader after college and is a fan of literary classics and young adult fiction.

"I just have always been drawn to books," she said. "When my kids were babies, I would read to them all the time. Now they're drawn to books. There's just something about turning the page of a book that I love."

Heikens holds degrees in nursing and human resources. Prior to joining the library, she worked for Animal Medical Centers doing HR work as well as running the clinic's social media accounts. Hartley residents may also remember her from when she co-operated Sassy N Classy downtown with Brea Espey.

Heikens is currently working to obtain her librarian's endorsement through the State Library of Iowa. While on the clock, she's just trying to keep up. She credited adult program director Emily Pearce with helping her learn the ropes; however, their time together each week is brief.

"It's definitely been a challenge trying to learn everything from Emily in a seven-hour period," Heikens said. "I'm jumping in, though. I'm a hands-on learner and I've been working well with Emily teaching me."

Bills, book budgets and other financial obligations will take some time to learn, Heikens admitted. Still, she's excited to grow in her new position and shared her goals for the library.

Heikens would like to increase teen attendance with more programming opportunities. She's also looking forward to a remodel of the children's area thanks to an early childhood learning grant, and she would like to make the library more user friendly overall.

Right now, though, she's simply excited to meet everyone who walks through the library's doors.

"The patrons are my favorite part of working here," she said. "I love playing a part in what materials children, teens and adults utilize."

Heikens lives with her husband, Nathan Tschopp, on an acreage near May City. She has four adult children and two dogs.