The Blue Mountains Public Library has a team of over 50 people! This includes our staff and volunteers as well as the BMPL Board, and Arts & Culture Council. We could not achieve our level of success without this full group.
Library Board
Joanne de VisserAs a relatively new resident of the Blue Mountains (2022), Joanne de Visser is grateful for the opportunity to work with the Library staff and Board team and to become an active member of her new town. Libraries and books have always played a…
Julia ScottVice Chair
Kris WichmanKris is a retired pharmacist having worked in a number of health care environments as a hospital clinician, manager, consultant, educator and administrative executive. She has a long history of volunteerism - while working, she was very involved in…
Laurey GilliesChairLaurey Gillies has an extensive background in public libraries, having worked in the field for over 30 years. She has a Master’s in Library Science and was CEO of Southern Ontario Library Service for 20 years. Laurey has experience with strategic…
Marie SwiftMarie Swift is a semi-retired educator who lived and worked in Simcoe County for many years. After taking on the role of Teacher Librarian in an International School in Dubai, she relocated to the Town of the Blue Mountains with her husband in the…
Patricia WrightPatricia Wright is retired Fundraising executive with experience in health care, international development, the arts and education. Prior to moving to Thornbury 8 years ago upon her retirement, she was a weekend resident for 20 years. Patricia is …
Shawn McKinlayShawn is a member of Town Council and the Council representative on the Blue Mountains Public Library Board.
Staff
Adia Library InternAdia has been a valuable member of our library team since joining in 2019. Currently perusing a degree in life science at Queen's University, Adia is driven by a passion for the medical field. As a summer student, Adia has been tasked with…
AlessiaMuseum CuratorAlessia went to university for Archaeology and Heritage, it was during this period that she was given the opportunity to work with the Craigleith Heritage Depot team in cataloging an extensive collection; one that took over two summers and part of a…
AndreaStudentAndrea is currently finishing her studies at Lakehead University for History. Her favourite part of working at the Museum is looking through the archival documents, photographs, and helping others find lost family history through genealogy. One of…
AshleyLibrary Specialist - Tech ProgrammerAshley has been with BMPL for over 5 years. Ashley brings her experience in one-on-one tech help and passion for technology to her position. Ashley graduated from Confederation College with a Library and Information Technician Diploma in 2019. She…
Dr. Sabrina E. R. SaundersCEODr. Sabrina Saunders has worked in the library sector since 2007. A graduate of UWO’s MLIS, she is also an Ontario certified elementary teacher, and graduate of the Advancing Public Library Leadership Certificate through OLS and the University of…
ElisaManager of Technical ServicesElisa has loved libraries ever since she won a carton of ice cream at the Saltfleet Public Library when her mom correctly guessed how many books and entered the contest in Elisa’s name. After graduating with a Master of Library and Information…
EmmaManager of Public ServicesBorn and raised in Meaford, Ontario, Emma has been part of The Blue Mountains Public Library team for the past decade. During this time, she has worked as a Library Assistant, the Desk Services Assistant Coordinator, and she is now our Manager of…
FranzAdministrative AssistantFranz is a graduate of Georgian College’s Executive Office Administration program, and in his current role at the L.E. Shore Library, he provides administrative support to the Library CEO and Arts and Culture Council. No two days are alike – just…
JamieLibrary ClerkJamie was born in Orangeville, Dufferin Country. Her family moved to Ravenna, Grey Country in 2010. Jamie was born and raised Deaf and with Cerebral Palsy, she uses America Sign Language (ASL). Jamie attended Ernest C. Drury School of the Deaf at…
JenLibrary Specialist - Children's ProgrammerJennifer has been with The Blue Mountains Public Library since 2018. She enjoys planning fun, exciting and educational programs for children and teens, and can often be found working on outreach programs within the local community. She loves the…
Josh Museum InterpreterJosh recently graduated from Carleton University with a bachelor’s degree in history and archaeology. During his time there he specialized in researching and digitizing medieval manuscripts in the university’s library special collections. He has…
KenLibrary SpecialistKen Haigh has lived in China, Bhutan, and on Baffin Island. His memoir of life as a teacher in eastern Bhutan, Under the Holy Lake, was published by The University of Alberta Press in 2008. Ken enjoys hiking, reading travel narratives, and playing…
MackenzieSummer StudentMackenzie has worked at The Blue Mountains Public Library since 2018 when she started as a volunteer. She loves reading and help manage the young adult section of the library. Mackenzie helps with teen programs like the library’s Teen Group and the…
Mary Manager of Community EngagementMary Dodge started at BMPL in December 2019 as a Library Assistant, where she helps community members with in-branch services, readers’ advisory, reference questions, and facilitates Family Storytimes. Since 2012, Mary has worked in libraries,…
MonicaMuseum TechnicianMonica graduated from the University of Waterloo with an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Rhetoric & Professional Writing. She then received her Diploma from Sir Sandford Fleming College in Museum Management and Curatorship. She has…
Natashia Library Specialist - ILLONatashia joined The Blue Mountains Public Library in June of 2020 as a Library Assistant. She completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology and Sociology at Trent University and in 2018 began working at the Meaford Public Library as…
Arts & Culture Council (ACC)
Beverley SmithACC ChairBeverley Smith has been a professional artist since graduating from Sheridan College (The School of Design) and textile design college in Stockholm Sweden in the early 70's. She moved from Toronto to the Beaver Valley in 1980. She has become well…
Diana BickDiana retired to the Blue Mountains in 2018. Her love of Arts and Culture combined with her Education led to her position as the Director and Educator of the Art Curriculum at Hillcrest Progressive School in Toronto. Although an educator by…
Gerard BuecheGerard Bueche joined the Arts & Culture Council in October of 2022. He studied graphic art and interior design in Switzerland. He retired from a 35 year career at CBC as Creative Director. Gerard also ran Gallery 533 in Toronto for 5 years. He…
Helen ForrestHelen's professional background is in Public Health Nursing. Following retirement, she had time to channel her energy in to areas of her own interest. As a local resident who recognizes the value of a strong community focused library, Helen was…
