Chair and Vice Chair of Ottawa Public Library Board acclaimed for second term

At their first monthly meeting of 2009 held Monday evening, Jan. 12, the board of the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) unanimously acclaimed Councillor Jan Harder and Trustee Pamela Sweet as chair and vice-chair of the board for the next two years. The membership of the board will remain the same as the previous term.

Councillor Harder and Ms. Sweet welcomed the opportunity to continue the work started by the board and are looking forward to working with their colleagues, “We have accomplished a lot over the last two years, but there are many challenges ahead. We have a great deal of confidence in the people we have around the board table and with all of us working together we can face these challenges and continue to build one of the finest library systems in Canada.” said Councillor Harder.

It has been an eventful two years for the Ottawa Public Library with many successes to celebrate: The crafting and publication of a four-year Strategic Plan, confirmation that a new materials distribution centre will be built in cooperation with the City of Ottawa Central Archives, and steady progress toward the building of a much needed, new central library. Building on these successes, the board is looking forward to providing leadership for a number of exciting initiatives including:

• Renovating and maintaining a number of branches
• Preparing to approve the New Central Library functional building plan
• Realizing greater efficiencies through enhanced cooperation with the City
• Ensuring that OPL attracts and retains the best and brightest employees.

Through monthly meetings, the OPL board is an excellent way for the public to keep informed about the management and development of the Ottawa Public Library. Meetings are generally held on the second Monday of the month. The meeting agendas and documentation are available on the OPL website at least three days before any public meeting. Members of the public are encouraged to attend meetings and make presentations on matters relating to the library. Interested residents should contact the Library Board Assistant (vickie.piamonte@biblioottawalibrary.ca or 613-580-2424, extension 32172) for more information.

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For more information:
Alan Roberts, Manager
Ottawa Public Library
613-580-2424, ext. 41240 cell: 613-222-9462