13 Questions With: Todd Kyle

January 25, 2016

Chief Executive Officer, Newmarket Public Library / President, Ontario Library Association (2016)

A hero who has inspired you in your career?

I won’t name names, but all those library leaders out there who keep us moving forward are on my list. Plus new professionals who I see are full of ideas and passion.

The first job you ever held and at what age and your first position in the library and/or information services field?

They are one and the same and I started both practically the same day (at age 16): library assistant at St Raphael’s school for their summer remedial program, and Page at the Malton Branch of Mississauga Library System.

Why a career in librarianship?

Like many people, it was an accident. I worked in libraries throughout my undergraduate years. When I got my BA, I had to choose between teaching English in Japan and a full-time library assistant job that was open. I got the job, and never went to Japan! I found I loved it, especially children’s programming, so I did my master’s part-time.

Coolest thing in your cubicle or office?

Believe it or not, I have a vintage card catalogue.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Wine and karaoke…usually in that order.

Career advice – what’s your top tip?

Your degree is only one of the things that will help you succeed. Another one is all the experiences you’ve had in your life and in all jobs, and everything you’ve learned from them. Play them up!

What useless skill(s) do you possess?

I speak a few words of Scottish Gaelic and can say hello in about 100 languages. I can vaguely play ukulele.

Proudest moment in your professional life?

When Newmarket Public Library won the Innovation Award at our local Business Excellence Awards in 2014.

If you had 24 hours all to yourself, how would you best like to spend it?

Reading and dozing on my deck.

If you didn’t work in the information industry, what would you be doing?

This may sound strange, but part of me is a closet urban planner. I look at a neighbourhood and scream inside “but it’s not a walkable complete street at all, what were they thinking?”

Finish this sentence: “In high school, I would have been voted the person most likely to … “

Become an international diplomat. All those languages would help!

How do you stay current in your field?

Getting involved with what’s happening in professional organizations. Attending conferences and talking to colleagues. Social media plays a big part—conversations, articles, etc… Plus some reading.

What would you like your headstone to read?

I think “beloved father and librarian” would do.