On behalf of the Library Board, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Rebecca Raven to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Brampton Library, effective June 3, 2013.
Ms. Raven holds undergraduate degrees from McMaster University and Trent University and a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Western Ontario. She is active in her community and currently serves on the Board of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Ms. Raven’s guiding mantra is “library use is a choice” philosophy, promoting excellence in customer experience and she looks forward to applying that philosophy in her new role.
Ms. Raven, who brings over 24 years of public library experience to the position, began her professional career at the Hamilton Public Library. Starting as a Children’s Librarian, she progressed into more senior management positions, most recently as the Director of Public Service. In this role, she participated in all aspects of the library including corporate services, finance, HR, labour relations including collective bargaining, IT, finance, change management and strategic planning. As well, she worked closely with the library board by attending and participating in the meetings, executing quality services with staff and community partners.
Ms. Raven co-established the Public Library Leadership Fellows Program with the assistance of an Advisory Committee of public library CEOs, University of Toronto faculty and CULC/CBUC Executive. The Public Library Leadership Fellows Certificate program, which was launched in 2012, is available through the University of Toronto’s iSchool and Ms Raven is currently enrolled in the program.
Ms. Raven will be responsible for working with the Library board, staff, and community partners to build a strong library service to meet the needs of one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most diverse communities.
Brampton Library provides service to one of Canada’s fastest growing and most dynamic communities. With a population of over 523,000, Brampton is the 4th largest city in Ontario, and the 9th largest city in Canada. Through its collections, services and programs, Brampton Library is a key partner in supporting the growth and diversity of the city, and serving residents from 175 distinct ethnic backgrounds and the 70 different languages that are spoken in our city.