Mayor Tom Barrett has appointed Paula A. Kiely as the City Librarian of the Milwaukee Public Library System, replacing Kathleen Huston, who retired in July.
Kiely has worked with MPL since 1995 and prior to that worked with the Brookfield Public Library. Since mid-2000, she has been the the deputy city librarian and the Manager of Central Library Systems.
In her new role, Kiely will be instituting the new strategic plan which focuses on community and connection, 21st century literacy and efficiency and excellence.
Originally from Des Plaines, Ill., Heather moved to Milwaukee to earn a B.A. in journalism from Marquette University. With a tongue-twisting last name like Leszczewicz, it's best to go into a career where people don't need to say your name often.
However, she's still sticking to some of her Illinoisan ways (she won't reform when it comes to things like pop, water fountain or ATM), though she's grown to enjoy her time in the Brew City.
Although her journalism career is still budding, Heather has had the chance for some once-in-a-lifetime interviews with celebrities like actor Vince Vaughn and actress Charlize Theron, director Cameron Crowe and singers Ben Kweller and Isaac Hanson of '90s brother boy band Hanson.
Heather's a self-proclaimed workaholic but loves her entertainment. She's a real television and movie fanatic, book nerd, music junkie, coffee addict and pop culture aficionado.
