A Front Row Seat: Behind the Scenes with Heather LeMar

by KAITLYN LIU

When imagining a traditional career path for Heather LeMar, who serves as executive assistant to Evviva Lajoie, vice provost for University Libraries, one might envision a previous job in education or an office with plenty of cubicles. However, her past career was fishier than that—and we’re not being metaphorical.  
 
Before working at UB Libraries, LeMar was an executive assistant at the Aquarium of Niagara Falls, working alongside all sorts of fish and aquatic animals. Though the aquarium may not appear to have much in common with the Libraries, the UB alum notes several similarities that led her back to the University at Buffalo.

LeMar’s work has always centered on keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes. This setup works for LeMar, who has never considered herself one for the spotlight. “I’m much more of a behind-the-scenes person because you get to see all of the moving parts,” she said. “Not just the Libraries, but with everything.” Whether supporting grant efforts, managing logistics for events, or assisting with large-scale renovation projects, LeMar plays a key role in connecting people and ideas across the organization. 

These skills were honed over the dozen years she spent working in communications within the energy sector, where she regularly worked with well-known corporate, university and government leaders. At the aquarium, a small staff meant stepping in wherever needed—including moments she now laughs about, like discovering water pouring through the basement ceiling. Those experiences in her previous roles built flexibility and a problem-solving mindset that she continues to carry with her today. 

LeMar’s move to UB Libraries came at the right time. After years balancing work with raising her two daughters, she was ready to return to full-time work. As a Buffalo native, the job at UB felt like a perfect fit both professionally and personally as it allowed her family to remain in the home she grew up in, continuing a multigenerational connection to the area. 

Today, she describes her role as “the best seat in the house” because she sees how the Libraries collaborate with other areas of the university—from student life to faculty partnerships and major capital projects. Her extensive history in the energy and aquarium sectors easily transferred into conversations regarding upcoming renovations at Lockwood Library and has helped move forward projects like the future James Joyce Museum.  

LeMar’s perspective on libraries has also changed over time. As a student, she primarily used the UB Libraries for group meetings or study sessions. Now, she's amazed by all the resources offered to students, faculty and staff, noting the technology-equipped spaces in Lockwood and Silverman. 'Here, it's just done for you!' she said."

Despite these surprising advances in technological offerings, what has most changed LeMar’s relationship to reading and libraries is undoubtedly her experience as a mother. Raised in a family of avid readers, she passed that love along to her daughters, who spent much of their childhood at the City of Tonawanda Public Library. The three of them were regular attendees of story hour and other library events, so it is no surprise that her daughters grew up to be avid readers themselves. 

Raising her daughters to be book lovers has also shown LeMar the importance of access in libraries. She’s passionate about making sure others recognize what libraries offer and how welcoming they can be. She recalls introducing her stepfather, who loves books but struggled reading physical texts, to the Libby app so he could enjoy audiobooks. Now, he rarely puts them down. 

Above all, that’s what the Libraries mean to LeMar: access, support and people. “I don’t know a single librarian who wouldn’t stop everything they’re doing to help a student,” she said. And in her behind-the-scenes role, she makes sure they can.