We thank our wonderful partners for joining us in celebrating the Library’s 30th anniversary.
Ken Haigh, Author
Ken Haigh was the first Chief Librarian of The Blue Mountains Public Library. He is a retired teacher and librarian who has worked at both the L.E. Shore Memorial Library and the Collingwood Public Library. He is the author of Under the Holy Lake: A Memoir of Eastern Bhutan and On Foot to Canterbury, which was a finalist for the 2021 Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction. An avid traveller and storyteller, Ken draws on his experiences abroad and at home in his writing. He now lives in Clarksburg, where he continues to share his love of books, history, and community.
Jessica’s Book Nook, Local Independent Book Seller
Jessica’s Book Nook is an independent, locally owned bookstore that has been part of downtown Thornbury for almost 30 years. Owned by Dennis and Joan and named after their daughter, the shop offers new books, local art, and educational toys and gifts. A longtime supporter of library events, Jessica’s is especially known for partnering on author talks and book sales. With shelves full of treasures, it remains a beloved destination for readers and visitors in The Blue Mountains.
Dr. Kathryn Magee Labelle, Author, Professor, Historian
Dr. Kathryn Magee Labelle is a Full Professor at the University of Saskatchewan, specializing in the history of the Wendat/Wyandot(te)/Huron nations. Her work focuses on Indigenous governance, resistance, and women’s roles in community-building. She is the author of Dispersed, But Not Destroyed and Daughters of Aataentsic, and continues to collaborate with Wendat/Wandat communities on upcoming publications and educational resources.
Beverley Smith, Artist, Chair of the BMPL Arts and Culture Council
Beverley Smith is a professional artist and Chair of the BMPL Arts and Culture Council. Known for her vibrant paintings and intricate beadwork, she created the beloved murals in the Story Tower at the L.E. Shore Memorial Library—originally in 1997 and again in 2017 as a volunteer. Beverley has exhibited widely, taught jewelry-making internationally, and served as an artist-in-residence in Tuscany. A local arts advocate since 1980, she continues to support community creativity through her leadership and artistic contributions.
Tom Strnad, Lead Digital Artist & Strategist, South Georgian Bay Media Association
Tom Strnad is an award-winning film producer, editor, and digital strategist. A graduate of York University’s Film & Video program, his work has screened at TIFF, SXSW, and VIFF. His projects include the documentary series Reel History and Collingwood Killings for Bell Media. Tom is co-owner of Mountain Goat Film Company Inc. and an active member of several professional guilds, including the Director's Guild of Canada and the Canadian Media Producer’s Association.
Catherine Tàmmaro, Multi-Disciplinary Artist
Catherine Tàmmaro is a respected multi-disciplinary artist and knowledge keeper with decades of creative and community-based work. An alumna of the Ontario College of Art, her practice includes exhibitions, installations, writing, and mentorship. Deeply involved in the Toronto Indigenous arts community, Catherine plays a key role in revitalizing Wyandot(t) cultural presence in Ontario and remains active as a teacher, advisor, and cultural leader.
Ira Wells, Writer and Critic
Ira Wells is a writer, critic, and the President of PEN Canada. He is an associate professor at Victoria College, University of Toronto, where he teaches in the Northrop Frye stream in literature and the humanities. His essays and reviews have appeared in The Atlantic, The Globe and Mail, The Guardian, and other major publications. His most recent book, On Book Banning: How the New Censorship Consensus Trivializes Art and Undermines Democracy, examines the cultural and political stakes of censorship debates.