“A lot of people think librarians sit around and read books all day,” she said. “I wish I could do that.”

Heidenreich said a library director works as an administrator who oversees the facility and supervises staff, in addition to preparing the budget and overseeing the finances. She said the director also functions as a community representative and spokesperson for the library.

Rick Chambon, an adult services clerk at the library, has known Heidenreich since the mid-80s.

“We have the same sense of humor,” Chambon said. “We enjoy working together.”

He said he is excited about her appointment as director.

“She has a lot of ideas for new programs and expanding services that will be a benefit to the community,” Chambon said.

Heidenreich, a lifelong resident of Washington, said the library plays an important role in the community.

“I never really thought about it till I got to library school, but libraries promote democracy.”

She said libraries and democracy are intrinsically linked since it would be impossible to have an actual democratic society without free access to information. She said libraries provide information required for citizens to make decisions.

Heidenreich said Washington was fortunate to have such a good library.

“It’s a beautiful building,” she said. “For a small community, we have a gorgeous facility.”

Heidenreich said her family uses the library a lot, with her sons checking out materials and joining reading clubs.

She described herself as an avid reader who likes romance novels, current non-fiction and biographies.

“You can travel the world within a book.”