Bancroft library welcomes new CEO

August 12, 2016

Hello Bancroft!

I’m Chris Stephenson, and I’m thrilled to announce that I’m one of your newest residents. This week I have joined the lovely ladies at the Bancroft Public Library in my capacity as the new library manager. And what a week it’s been already. I’ve had a bit of orientation, set up some new members at the front desk, and last Saturday I ran another successful LEGO challenge program. Check out our Facebook site for the pics.

Earlier this month I came to town to help flip burgers and meet some of you in the community at the Library’s charity barbeque at No Frills – thank you to our hosts at No Frills who made this weekend a great success! This technically constituted my “second interview,” and I can honestly tell you that this was the most unique and enjoyable method of job application I’ve ever participated in.

Shortly after, I packed up my life on Vancouver Island and drove here just in time for my first meeting. It looks like it’s going to take a little while before I completely unpack and hang my pictures…

I’m quite familiar with the Bancroft area already. I grew up in nearby Gravenhurst, and before I went west I built a double-car garage for my family members in Bird’s Creek. I have always wanted to attend the Rockhound Gemboree, and finally my dreams have come true. As I write this I am just starting come down from all the excitement around town. And I have a local mineral in my pocket now, too.

On my first day in Bancroft, two people said hello to me on the street. Since then I’ve been introducing myself to anyone and everyone I encounter. Each person has made me feel tremendously welcome here.

I endeavour to work hard for my new community, and continue to make the library a place where lifelong learning, play, and other magical things happen. I’d like to encourage you to stop into the library and let me know what it is you love best about your Bancroft Public Library. I’d certainly like to meet you, but I’m also very curious about your library experience and welcome your feedback. At a mineral vendor’s booth this weekend I struck up a conversation with the owner who recalled fond memories of reading by flashlight under covers at the cottage when she was a little girl. I was instantly transported back in time when I remembered I did the same. It was the one thing that was slightly overlooked in our house.

Throughout my life I’ve worked in a few different types of libraries, but what I’m most passionate about are public libraries, community development, and stimulating the reading and entertainment habits of the people I meet. Best of all I like to see a library grow, and also rally support for this community hub and information centre. To that end I look forward to creating relationships with area libraries, local organizations, and people who’d like to get involved with BPL. Stay tuned for more on how we can work together with a Friends of the Library group I’ll be helping to develop this year.

In every community I’ve ever been to I’ve found a hearty collection of library-lovers. And I’m excited to meet you, too. Please drop in and say hello this month. I can help you sign up for a membership if it’s been a while since you’ve been in. Or if you have a reference or research question, I’d love to help develop a search strategy. Happy summer and happy reading, Bancroft!