2022 Community Report - Flipbook - Page 5
From Our Board Chair
2022 was a remarkable year for the Waterloo Public Library. As we
collectively emerged from the pandemic, it became clear that the value
of public libraries remains strong for Waterloo residents of all ages.
It’s not often that we get to open a new library in Waterloo, and
together we celebrated as the Eastside Branch opened its doors
in May. For residents in east Waterloo (and indeed all residents of
Waterloo), this highly anticipated addition is a gem. Personally, I can’t
decide if my favourite feature is the Digispace or the teaching beehive!
Change in leadership was a significant part of our Waterloo Public
Library story last year; 2022 brought a number of staff retirements,
most notably that of our outstanding former CEO, Laurie Clarke. Following a national search,
we proudly welcomed Kelly Kipfer to the CEO role in August. Kelly is continuing to position the
Waterloo Public Library as a leader for our post-pandemic community. Her passion to promote
equity and inclusion is leading the way for new resources, programs, and services for our library
system that continue to reflect and represent our community.
Further changes in leadership took place at the Library Board, which is appointed by Waterloo
City Council. We’d be remiss not to acknowledge the enthusiastic commitment of our outgoing
Board members Rachel Harder, John Strong, and Idrisa Pandit, and extend warm appreciation
to our outgoing Chair, Karen Coviello, and City of Waterloo council representative, Ward 4
Councillor Diane Freeman. These leaders have been integral to the positive partnership that the
Waterloo Public Library enjoys with the City of Waterloo. Thank you all!
Our Board is working diligently to ensure the levels of service and programming that we would
expect for a community renowned for education, learning and innovation. We have embarked
on the development of a new strategic plan, and we can’t wait to hear from you about what
matters for our Waterloo Public Library today and in the future!
Kelly McManus
Chair of the Waterloo Public Library Board
2022 Library Board
Karen Coviello, Chair
Dawn Charlton
Diane Freeman, Councillor
Rachel Harder
Kelly McManus, Vice Chair
Frank Mensink
Jennifer Murphy
Idrisa Pandit
John Strong
Community Report 2022 | 5