October 29, 2019
West Vancouver, B.C. – The West Vancouver Memorial Library Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Library Director. Following an extensive international search, Stephanie Hall will succeed Jenny Benedict who retired in July after nine years of distinguished service. The Board thanks Acting Director, Pat Cumming, for her leadership in the interim and for ensuring a smooth transition. Ms. Hall’s appointment will be effective November 19.
Ms. Hall brings 14 years of senior public library leadership experience at the municipal, regional, and provincial levels. From 2013 to 2018, she was CEO of Okanagan Regional Library (ORL), where she was known for her open, innovative style that placed a high value on community needs. Changes at ORL during her tenure included an increased focus on educational programming and digital skills development, expansion of online offerings, partnerships with post-secondary institutions, construction of the Summerland branch and the negotiation of a partnership with Westbank First Nation to create the first public library branch on reserve lands in BC.
Ms. Hall left ORL in 2018 to complete a 15-month global circumnavigation aboard a traditional tall ship, something that had been a lifelong dream. Her previous positions included Director of Public Library Planning for the Province of Saskatchewan, Executive Director of the Chinook Regional Library and Chief Librarian of the Powell River Public Library.
“I can already see that the West Vancouver board and staff are strong, committed and innovative,” said Hall, “and that’s a large part of what attracted me to this role. I’m truly excited about joining this team and I look forward to connecting with community members very soon.”
Jillian Stirk, Board Chair, commented: “The Board looks forward to working closely with Ms. Hall and all staff to ensure West Vancouver Memorial Library remains the heart of our community and continues to provide the leadership and vision for which it is so well known.“
An opportunity for library patrons and members of the wider community to meet Ms. Hall will be announced shortly.
About West Vancouver Memorial Library
Open and welcoming to all, West Vancouver Memorial Library connects people with information, the world of imagination and each other. The Library attracts nearly 43,100 people to our facility and 54,500 to our website each month. The Library’s vision expresses a broad, aspirational state: Where wonder sparks, possibilities emerge and minds thrive. Our Library inspires people to grow in a dynamic world.
For more information please contact:
Sue Kent, Head of Communications
604.921.3456
skent@westvanlibrary.ca