After nine years at the helm, director of library services Jenny Benedict is turning the page.
The library director has announced that she will officially retire from her role at the West Vancouver Memorial Library on July 12.
Her tenure at the library has been marked with a number of achievements, including the opening of the upgraded west wing of the library, the expansion of digital learning services, and more innovative programming overall, according to a news release issued by the library.
In particular, Benedict’s support for community initiatives, such as Remembrance Day services programming, the annual Lantern Festival, and the library’s award-winning Honouring Reconciliation program, in partnership with Squamish Nation and Reconciliation Canada, was highlighted.
Also of note during Benedict’s time at the library was the opening last year of the The Lab digital learning space. The 800-square-foot outfit on the library’s lower floor offers tools for community members to create digital media, digitize personal and local history, learn to code, and explore emerging technologies through educational sessions.
Earlier this year Benedict received an excellence award from the Association of B.C. Public Library Directors in recognition of her “outstanding leadership in library advocacy, innovation and contribution to the library community,” according to the release.
Pat Cumming, the library’s head of customer and community experience, is set to take up the mantle of acting director when Benedict retires next month.
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