Laura Highfill is the Branch Manager at South County. She has been with CML for 23 years, with six of those coming at South County. Laura enjoys spending time talking with customers and helping them find exactly what they are looking for. A few of her favorite authors are Naomi Novik, Samantha Shannon and Anne Bishop. She loves being outdoors whether that is hiking, kayaking or camping with her family.

Kathy Hurley is the Branch Manager at SouthPark. She has worked at the Library for three years, all with SouthPark. Her favorite part about working for CML is the opportunity to change lives with each encounter, whether that be through programs, services or a simple conversation. Her favorite book is “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” and a fun fact about Kathy is that she sings in a band with her daughter. She is currently completing her Philosophy of Leadership with Business Concentration doctoral program at Anderson University.

Jesse Isley is the Interim Branch Manager at ImaginOn. She has spent 11 years with the Library, including four years at ImaginOn. Her favorite thing about working at CML is “the variety of ways curiosity, contribute to lifelong learning, and get to know our community each day. Plus, the FUN we have with our programs here at ImaginOn.” Jesse is a fan of comedy and adventure when it comes to books, and enjoys non-fiction, especially memoirs. Two fun facts about Jesse are that she played bass clarinet in her high school band and recently started piano lessons via Zoom.

Shawn Krizanik is the Branch Manager at Independence Regional. He has been with CML for 14 years now, with four of those coming at Independence Regional. Shawn loves working with the Library because of its mission and core values. A fun fact about Shawn is that he two dogs that weigh in at a combined 30 pounds.

Alesha Lackey is the Branch Manager at Allegra Westbrooks. She has been with the Library for eight years, including six at Allegra Westbrooks. Her favorite thing about working at CML is that “my role sometimes affords me the opportunity to incorporate my interests and passions into projects that help fulfill our mission to ‘improve lives and build a stronger community.’" Alesha is a mom to one and a pet parent to her dog, Kiwi. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading and making Target runs. Having auditioned for Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud, Alesha says winning Wheel of Fortune is on her bucket list.

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NCpedia is an online encyclopedia that highlights North Carolina's unique resources, people, and culture to enrich, educate, and inform.

New York Times (1980-current), New York Times Magazine (1997-current), and New York Times Book Review (1997-current) full text access is provided via U.S. Newsstream (ProQuest). This resource is text based.

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News Literacy Project, a nonpartisan national education nonprofit, provides programs and resources for educators and the public to teach, learn, and share the abilities needed to be smart, active consumers of news and information and equal and engaged participants in a democracy.