Brigham Memorial Library in 90th year

Heather Kinkade, director at Brigham Memorial Library in Sharon, puts a book on display. She said public libraries have shifted to include items beyond books as well as programming, but the goal remains to broaden peoples’ horizons. (Heather Ruenz photo)

Director says a love of reading, enjoying people, important

By Heather Ruenz

SLN staff

Heather Kinkade, director of Brigham Memorial Library in Sharon, said embracing how public libraries have changed is vital to their success.

“The goals of public libraries has changed, from books to adding audio/visual items. Now, it’s about programs but all along, the design has been to broaden peoples’ horizons,” she said.

Kinkade, who is originally from Green Bay, moved from Beloit to Sharon a few months ago after being hired as the library director. She has a Masters of Library and Information Sciences degree.

The library in Sharon initially got its start in 1916, when the Sharon Women’s Guild opened a library on the second floor of the old firehouse, according to Kinkade. In 1926, the Rev. Henry Brigham and his wife, who lived in Glencoe, Ill. and had a cottage in Sharon, deeded the library’s current location to the Women’s Guild.

For the rest of the story pick up a copy of the Nov. 10 Sharon Reporter or the Walworth/Fontana/Williams Bay Times.

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