The Dare County Library is pleased to introduce Sallie Hedrick Bowman, who began serving as the new children’s librarian for the Kill Devil Hills Library branch on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. She earned a Master of Library Science with a concentration in School Librarianship from East Carolina University (ECU) and also holds a Public Librarian Certification from the State of North Carolina, as well as a Professional Educator’s License from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Bowman previously served as the communications manager for the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, and prior to taking on that particular role, she served as the school library media coordinator at Manteo Elementary School for the 2022-2023 academic year. As part of her graduate school studies while attending ECU, she also worked as a school library intern at Manteo High School, providing her with a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be utilized in her current position as children’s librarian for the Kill Devil Hills Library.
“Sallie brings a variety of experiences and a distinctive skill set that make her a perfect fit for our Kill Devil Hills Library children’s librarian,” said Dare County Librarian Meaghan Leenarts Beasley. “She brings a background in performing arts coupled with professional experience in school libraries. She also has extensive knowledge of marketing and promotions, has worked with local nonprofit and community groups, and has even served as a summer camp programmer at the Elizabethan Gardens. Most importantly, Sallie brings a level of excitement and energy to our library which is magnetic—we cannot wait to see what she rolls out in the coming months!”
In addition to holding a Master of Library Science and having extensive experience working with children and teens in local libraries, Bowman also enjoyed a 30-year career as a professional actress in theatre, film and television, and as a teaching artist—roles that provided her with several unique skills she intends to utilize in her new position.
“I’m very excited to use this skill set for creating and leading storytimes and enrichment activities. I also have had several leadership roles in marketing and public relations, and I’m looking forward to using these skills for connecting children’s programs at the library with families and the Dare County community,” said Bowman. “I think it’s important to offer families and children opportunities, materials and fun enrichment experiences that promote early literacy and encourage and cultivate an interest in reading. Ultimately, I hope to help children develop a love of reading and strong interpersonal and literacy skills so that they can be lifelong learners who are successful, contributing citizens to Dare County and the wider world.”
For more information about the assortment of programs, resources and services offered by the Dare County Library, please visit DareNC.gov/Library.
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