Library Board

Mary K Anderson

Mary K. Anderson has been a resident of Pickering for over 25 years. Mary K. is a strong believer in volunteerism and community service. During her 35 years as an educator she strived to impart this philosophy to her students. Mary K’s main focus in community service has centered around the Canadian women’s organization IODE. The organization’s focus on education and assisting those in need related well to her interests.Mary K. has served and is serving in an executive capacity at all three levels of the organization, Primary, Provincial and National. Upon completion of a three year term as president of IODE Toronto, Mary K. initiated a literacy program, “Own A Book Share A Book”, with the TDSB. The program provides quality books to Kindergarten students and classrooms in schools designated in need of additional support. This program is strongly supported by the members of IODE Toronto. As a member of the Pickering Library Board Mary K. continues to strive to make a difference in her community. Mary K.’s other interests are reading Victorian mysteries, water colour painting and spending time with her son and friends.

Ozair Chaudhry

As a scientist with postgraduate degrees in both Education and Natural Sciences, Ozair brings to the Board a commitment to the educational and literary value of libraries. He and his family are enthusiastic admirers of library services to Pickering.

Ruvette Coelho

A student by profession, Ruvette, has lived in Pickering and been a proud member of the Pickering Public Library since she arrived in Canada ten years ago. She is a University of Toronto Science graduate currently working on a second degree in Radiation Therapy. She was a member of the Teen Advisory Group at the Pickering Public Library at its inception. Ruvette has been an active member of her community and university by volunteering and working with various causes.
Lastly, Ruvette thinks that the Pickering Public Library is awesome!

Councillor Bonnie Littley

Bonnie is our Regional Councillor Ward 1. (sorry, no bio available at this time!)

Julie Lucas

Julie is an information professional who has worked in public and private sector libraries during her career. Currently, she is the team manager in the Canada Revenue Agency's Research Centre in the Toronto Centre office. Julie has lived in Pickering for the last five years.

Afsar Naqvi

Afsar is an Accountant by training and has lived in Pickering since 1991 with his wife and daughters. As an active member of the community, he has been involved with numerous projects and fund-raising events sponsored by the Rotary Club of Pickering. Afsar has been the President of the Rotary Club of Pickering for the year 2006-07 and then again for the year 2007-08. He is a big supporter of the Durham West Art Centre, the Pickering Museum Village, the Herizon House Women Shelter, the Rouge Valley Health System - to name a few.

He and his family use the library facilities here on a regular basis and they believe it plays a very significant role in this vibrant community.

Councillor Jennifer O’Connell

Jennifer O'Connell, Pickering's newest and youngest Councillor, is a University of Toronto Political Science graduate who earned a position in municipal politics her first time around. As Jennifer works with the residents, she attends to their specific needs, taking into consideration, not only her own concerns and objectives, but those of everyone interested in working together towards improving the community one step at a time. She feels that the services provided through our libraries are essential to the learning process and building a vibrant community.

John Sabean

A historian by training and a freelance writer, editor, and researcher by profession, John has had a huge commitment to libraries over the years. He is also active in the community as a volunteer especially in the areas of heritage and the arts.

Paul Savel

A Pickering resident since 1997, Paul is a professional electronics engineer with extensive community service, including seven years on the Altona West Community Association Executive. He also serves on Pickering’s Museum Village Advisory Committee, and frequently volunteers at the Village.

Shirley Van Steen

Shirley has over 30 years of experience at the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government. She retired in late 2007 as Director of Housing Services with the Region of Durham and now works as a housing consultant and community volunteer. She believes that libraries are an important community service and encourages all residents to make use of the excellent programs and resources that our local libraries provide.

Contact the Library Board

Contact the Library Board

Becoming a Member of the Library Board

Library Board members are appointed by Council either after an election or when a Board seat becomes vacated.
Advertisements of such vacancies are posted on the Library and city web sites, and are posted in the News Advertiser.

Interested citizens must submit their applications to the City Clerk.

To determine suitability for the role, candidates are encouraged to read the Board's policies which include a Board Job description, and Cut to the Chase (a quick reference guide for Ontario Public Library Board members)

Library Board Meetings

Monthly Board Meetings (10 per year required by the Public Libraries Act).

The Board normally holds its regular public meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:00 P.M. except July and August when no meeting is usually scheduled, and December when an alternative, pre-Christmas date is scheduled.

All meetings are held at the Central Library except where indicated.