BC Library Conference 2016

As the Chief Librarian of North Vancouver District Public Library, Jacqueline is proud to lead a strong community-focused library with a talented and capable staff. Jacqueline rejoined the Library in 2013 after a 15 year hiatus. Previously, she led the provincial government's Libraries and Literacy branch, where she worked to ensure that all British Columbians have increased library access. As the provincial librarian, she was responsible for provincial investments in libraries and literacy, including shared systems, infrastructure projects, policy and legislation. Jacqueline brings passion, energy and fresh perspectives to the transformative work of public libraries.

Sabina is a Library Assistant at North Vancouver District Public Library. She believes that inclusivity and diversity are paramount to the long-term vitality of institutions, and is proud to be part of an organization that recognizes, practices and achieves success by creating an environment that embraces those strengths.

Ashika currently holds the position of Circulation Supervisor, which she has held since February 2008. Born and raised in South Africa, Ashika qualified as a teacher with a Bachelor of Paedogogics University Degree, and taught at several schools in South Africa and Zimbabwe, both elementary and high schools. She immigrated to Vancouver in November 2001 with her husband and 2 girls, aged 9 and 11 at the time. Ashika joined the North Vancouver District Public Library in June 2003 as on-call library assistant and received full time hours in November 2005. Her interests include reading, sewing, baking and travelling. She sees herself developing in her position through on-going changes.

Andrea is the Manager, Welcoming Initiatives at North Vancouver District Public Library. She’s passionate about people development and supporting environments that inspire authentic and meaningful change.

Jacqui has worked in public libraries internationally and in Canada for over 30 years and has seen many changes and transformations over that time. As a branch librarian at Lynn Valley she organizes the adult programming and fosters collaborative partnerships and community engagement to help tailor programs and events relevant to the community. She loves the enthusiasm and depth of knowledge partners bring to collaborative programming.

Jennifer is a digital services and resources librarian at NVDPL who loves training and helping people make the most out of technology. She enjoys collaborating with colleagues and community members, and working on teams which play to the strengths of each member.

A lifelong resident of North Vancouver, Krista remembers getting her first paper library card at age 2 from the Lynn Valley Branch of NVDPL. Who knew at that time that 15 years later she would start her career at that same library system and be there still. First hired as a Page, she's worked in the Circulation, Interlibrary Loan, and Audiovisual Departments, then once through SLAIS, as a cataloguer and Branch Librarian. In 2013, she became the Adult Collection Services & Evaluation Librarian. The best part of being a librarian? Being part of fabulous group of people who are making a real difference in her community.

Paul is a librarian at the Parkgate Branch of North Vancouver District Library. Paul is grateful to work for a community with so many people ready to energetically embrace the idea of participating in, and creating programs that bring together community members of diverse backgrounds to share and gain knowledge together.

Matt DeBock was appointed to the North Vancouver District Public Library Board in January 2012 and served as Board Chair in 2015. He brought a diverse skill set and a sincere passion for the community and for the Library to his tenure as a trustee. Matt works as an in-house lawyer at Hootsuite, a Vancouver-based social media management company, though his career experience also includes working as journalist. He believes the Library is an important part of a healthy community, which played an important role in the decision to raise his family in Lynn Valley. He moved to the District of North Vancouver in 2011.

Conceived January 1943 – one of the ‘silent generation’ – Paisley Grammar School, Glasgow University (Electrical Engineering). Early Influences include an uncle librarian and an uncle city planner for London. The Bible, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Arthur Ransome. Emigrated Glasgow to Calgary 1967. Moved to Edmonton in 1970 and Vancouver in 1972. Subsequent influences: – 26 years in a men’s group, ‘The Rag and Bone Shop of the Heart,’ Dao De Jing “Making this Life Significant,” Hillman’s ‘We have had 100 Years of Psychotherapy and Things are Getting Worse.’