Bracebridge Library CEO Cathryn Rodney is retiring in June.
She’s been CEO for 15 years since joining the Bracebridge library in 2006.
Over the past 35 years, she has gained experience as a Children’s, Reference and Seniors’ Services Librarian and Branch & Bookmobile Supervisor in several other communities too.
Mayor Graydon Smith says Rodney’s dedication not only to the Library but to the entire community has been exceptional and will be missed.
Current Board Chair Barb Hutchinson praises Cathryn for her considerable expertise as she champions the public library and what it means for the community wherever she goes.
In a release from Hutchinson, it’s noted that the Library continues to represent a critical hub of the community and is never more important and relevant as this global pandemic has shown.
Cathryn and her staff have been able to adjust their core delivery model as the physical doors have been forced to close at times as they continue to provide the community with valuable support, programs and services.
Rodney introduced some important initiatives that helped shape the library’s growth – within 6 months of her arrival in 2006, staff were thrust into a year of extensive planning in anticipation of the Library’s Centennial in the architecturally unique Carnegie Library building on Manitoba St. in Bracebridge’s historic downtown.
In addition to regular services and programs, staff presented a major event each month in 2008. It should not be surprising that staff expressed some exhaustion as the year closed since the Library’s employees consisted then of 2 full-time staff and 11 part-time staff.
The Library CEO is pleased that over the years, the staff complement has increased to 6 full-time and 8 part-time, which has enabled her staff to increase their workload and has led to a great assortment of programs over the years. Rodney and her staff continue to innovate as the Library takes many of its offerings to the web and beyond.
Town CAO Steve Rettie offered praise on behalf of the staff at the Town of Bracebridge as he wishes Cathryn a happy, well-earned retirement.
“Cathryn’s contributions to the Library are immeasurable and Bracebridge has benefitted considerably from her skill set and knowledge in delivering excellent library services,” he says.
The Library Board is actively engaged in the recruitment of a new CEO over the coming months.
The deadline to apply is April 28th, 2021.
To learn more about the position, click here
Photo via Town of Bracebridge