Brampton Library Announces Retirement of Rebecca Raven

September 25, 2019

The Brampton Library today announced the retirement of Rebecca Raven, Chief Executive Officer since 2013, effective January 31, 2020.

Notice of the Retirement of the Chief Executive Officer

Brampton Library announces the retirement of Rebecca Raven from the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective January 31, 2020. Jaipaul Massey Singh, Brampton Library Board Chair said: ”It’s been a true pleasure to have worked with Rebecca over the past years; her deep knowledge, collaborative nature, and passion for the role libraries play in a community has inspired many to think boldly about the future of Brampton Library. Rebecca’s leadership has extended beyond the walls of our buildings and into the community as a whole where she and the organization have set an example for what partnership and innovation look like.”

Ms. Raven has stewarded the organization through significant change, responding to and anticipating the needs of residents in an energetic, rapidly growing city since she was hired as the Brampton Library’s CEO in 2013. Her key contributions are many and include the following:

• The 2017-2021 Strategic Plan, developed with Board and community input, focuses on the modernization of Brampton’s perceptions of public library service and was launched in conjunction with a complementary visual identity and logo
• Springdale Branch Library opened in the spring of 2018 to accolades from the community and beyond. This award-winning architectural gem is a beacon in the neighbourhood and welcomes more than 1,000 customers daily
• The On-the-Go Mobile Van, launched in 2018, provides increased access to 21st century digital literacies by taking technology to underserved areas of the City
• The South West Branch, Brampton Library’s eighth location, is scheduled to open in late fall 2019
• Significant investments in staff training and development have ensured staff is prepared and eager to provide the best, most efficient library service to the community
• Brampton Library is recognized as an industry leader in newcomer settlement services and innovative technology partnerships─both crucial services in one of Canada’s most diverse cities

“Brampton Library is an amazing organization,” said Rebecca Raven. “I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to lead a dedicated staff team in the provision of exemplary library service to the citizens of Brampton. These are exciting times for public libraries in Canada and I am proud to have contributed to the innovation and resiliency of our organization and its employees. I extend my sincerest thanks to all the staff, board members and colleagues that I have had the pleasure of collaborating with over the years.”

Beyond Brampton’s borders, Ms. Raven has spent her 35 year career as a passionate advocate promoting the critical importance of the public library as an essential element in thriving communities. She has also served as the Co-creator and Program Director of PLLeaders, a national leadership development program co-sponsored by the Canadian Urban Libraries Council and the University of Toronto’s iSchool to prepare senior library staff for the challenges and rewards of public library leadership.

“Although we will miss Rebecca dearly, she has set Brampton Library on a course for continued success and I thank her for her significant contributions,” said Massey-Singh. Please join us in wishing Rebecca well and continued success as she begins this new chapter.

(Via Brampton Library)