After successfully managing the transition of Powell River Public Library to its new location at Crossroads Village Shopping Centre, chief librarian Terry Noreault is retiring.
Noreault handed his resignation to the library board of directors and, on October 16, it was announced that assistant chief librarian Rebecca Burbank will be taking over in February 2018.
“We're extremely grateful for Terry's stewardship in these last few years as we've transitioned to our new facility,” said library vice-chair Charlotte Gill. “The learning curve was steep for all of us and Terry's leadership was critical. We're also very proud of Rebecca and we welcome her energy and innovative spirit as she moves into her new role.”
Noreault was first offered the position of interim chief librarian in October 2014. His first duties included running the contentious but ultimately successful referendum campaign that approved the borrowing of $3.5 million for a new library.
Noreault said his patience was tested during the process of moving the library to its new location as construction delays slowed the transition by several months.
“Good things take time; we made it there and have a really good result,” said Noreault. “I would have liked to have done it faster, but we're here now.”
Noreault said that while he knew a lot about libraries before accepting the position, his experience in Powell River was his first time working in one.
“My previous work was all in technology,” said Noreault. “At one point I managed the software development group on a research team for a company that provided library services.”
As for his successor, Noreault said Burbank is ready to take over the position and has a great vision.
Originally from Madbury, New Hampshire, Burbank, a fourth-generation librarian, has the pedigree to take the institution to the next level.
“I’m the daughter of a librarian, granddaughter of a librarian and great-granddaughter of a librarian,” said Burbank.
Some of Burbank’s family members were passionate about working with people, others with books and some had a strong passion for organizing materials. Burbank said her passion is about seeing what people can do with all the resources available.
Burbank said the new library has already demonstrated its importance as a community asset. It is more valuable than a single-use space, she added.
An important responsibility Noreault and Burbank said they see in today’s libraries is how they help prepare youth with a broad range of skills for the future, including digital literacy.
Noreault said the addition of more technology has been an important improvement to services offered at the library. Since opening three months ago, computer use has increased by 50 per cent, he added.
“That's a new literacy that's important, particularly for young people coming forward to become more technically adept,” said Noreault. “The library is starting to play a role in that.”
Libraries remain relevant, according to Noreault and he cites the number of new library cards issued since opening day at the new location.
“We had 560 in the first month, 270 new ones in the second month and 250 new library cards last month,” said Noreault. “That compares to a norm of about 90 before.”
