Kristine D’Souza appointed CEO and Director of Public Libraries of Pickering Public Library

July 20, 2026

The Pickering Public Library Board today announced the appointment of Kristine D’Souza as Chief Executive Officer and Director of Public Libraries. D’Souza succeeds Jackie Flowers who was appointed Chief Librarian of Burnaby Public Library in March 2026.

Pickering Public Library appoints Kristine D’Souza as new CEO and Director

Pickering, ON, July 20, 2026 – The Pickering Public Library Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristine D’Souza as Chief Executive Officer and Director of Public Libraries, effective July 20, 2026.

D’Souza brings more than 22 years of public library experience and a strong record of strategic leadership, organizational transformation, community engagement, and service innovation. Throughout her career, she has worked to ensure public libraries remain accessible, inclusive, and responsive community spaces where people can learn, connect, and thrive.

Most recently, D’Souza served as Director of Public Services with Kingston Frontenac Public Library, overseeing branch operations, programming, and collections across its 16-branch system. She previously served as Chief Librarian and Library Services Manager for Lennox and Addington Libraries and held several leadership positions with Ottawa Public Library.

Her experience includes modernizing library services, strengthening community partnerships, securing funding, and leading organizational, technological, and service improvements designed around evolving community needs.

“Following an extensive national recruitment process, we are delighted to welcome Kristine D’Souza to Pickering,” said Akeem Maginley, Chair of the Pickering Public Library Board. “Ms. D’Souza’s proven leadership, strategic vision, commitment to public service, and passion for community engagement make her exceptionally well-positioned to lead the Pickering Public Library into its next chapter. We are confident she will build upon the Library’s strong foundation and continue to enhance services for our patrons.”

“I am incredibly honoured to join Pickering Public Library and excited to work alongside its talented and award-winning team, dedicated Board, and the broader community,” said D’Souza. “Libraries create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to discover, learn and connect. I look forward to listening to the community, building on the Library’s many existing strengths, and helping shape innovative and inclusive services for Pickering’s future.”

D’Souza holds a Master of Library and Information Science and a degree in Community and Ethnic Studies.

Pickering Public Library serves approximately 46,000 active members and is recognized as one of Ontario’s most highly used, well-supported and award-winning library systems. Guided by its mission to inspire a thriving community, the Library brings people together to discover, learn, play and connect.

(Via Pickering Public Library)