City Announces New Director of Library Services
Mississauga, May 3, 2013 – Mississauga announced yesterday the appointment of Rosemary Vespa as director, Library Services, effective June 10, 2013. She replaces Don Mills who retired last October.
“I am pleased to have Rose join the Library leadership team in Community Services at the City of Mississauga,” said Paul Mitcham, commissioner, Community Services. “She will help continue the tradition of outstanding library service to the community.”
Vespa has held numerous management positions in the field of library services. Her most recent position was Chief Executive Officer, Brantford Public Library, where she was directly responsible for leading many high profile initiatives such as expanding the university and public library partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University, considered to be a one-of-a-kind partnership in North America.
She graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours English and History) and a Masters of Library and Information Services.
In addition to her work with Brantford Public Library, Vespa has worked in a number of systems and capacities including as CEO Lincoln Public Library, as a Librarian in the Windsor and Vaughan Library Services and within the school system as a Librarian at the secondary school level.
“Mississauga will benefit from Rose’s energy, knowledge and passion for library services,” said Brad Hutchinson, chair, Mississauga Public Library Board. “Her commitment to building a strong inclusive community where everybody has the resources to succeed will serve residents well.”
According to Hutchinson, the Mississauga Library System is one of the largest public library systems in Canada with more than 300,000 registered users and 18 locations. The Mississauga Public Library Board is made up of citizens appointed by City Council for a four-year term.
Vespa’s professional memberships have included the Large Urban Caucus of the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries, the Ontario Library Association, the Canadian Library Association, the American Library Association and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
As Canada’s sixth largest city, Mississauga is home to 741,000 residents and more than 54,000 businesses, including more than 60 Fortune 500 companies with Canadian head offices or major divisional head offices. A diverse, progressive and award-winning municipality located on the shores of Lake Ontario in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga is “Leading Today for Tomorrow” by focusing on delivering services, implementing its Strategic Plan, delivering value for money and maintaining infrastructure.
Media Contact:
Ivana Di Millo
Director, Communications
Phone: 905-615-3200 x 5047
TTY: 905-896-5151
Email: ivana.dimillo@mississauga.ca