A Career Milestone Arlington Heights Library Director Retires after 15 Years

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Byline: Jon Davis Daily Herald Staff Writer

Kathy Balcom has reached a final chapter.

She's worked in libraries since her high school days - the last 15 years leading the Arlington Heights Memorial Library as its executive director.

On Friday, she closes that book by retiring not just from the library at 500 N. Dunton Ave., but from the profession that guided her life and even led to her marriage.

"I certainly understand the definition of bittersweet now," Balcom said. "I will miss the people I work with and the people we serve so very much. I will miss that human contact."

Her colleagues will miss her, too, for they credit her with making the library what it is …