Growing up to be a certified bookseller in Germany, and acquiring a European Master’s Degree in Literature and Publishing/Marketing, Simone Kirk never gave libraries much thought, since reading books, and having to give them back, seemed pretty cruel to this passionate reader. Her goal to work in the publishing industry in Germany was redirected with a move to Star City, Arkansas in 2004.

After arriving in this very rural area of the States, she became the Branch Manager at the Star City Branch Library, which changed everything! Simone fell in love with libraries, and decided to put her knowledge of book selling, marketing, and customer service training to work. Simone is constantly trying to invent new ways to serve her community, developing programs, and spread her love for literacy in Southeast Arkansas. She has been a member of Arkansas Library Paraprofessionals (ALPS) since 2009, is still active as an ALPS Representative, and served as ALPS Chair in 2018.