Meet the Library Board

"I was interested to learn more about this extremely valuable service. As I was coming up to retirement I felt my skills and experience in facilitation and leadership could be helpful. I was curious about the impact of local government decision making."

What strengths or experiences do you bring to the Board? 

I try to listen well and ask good questions. I’ve used my facilitation and presentation skills frequently in the service of the Board. 

What goals or initiatives are you most passionate about supporting? 

"To promote the library as a safe public space for our community and to continually help the public understand the library is so much more than what they might imagine. I also want to advocate for new facilities that support the growth in the County."

What do you love most about the County of Brant? 

It’s a great place to live and work and play! Also, due to its central location, it can access so many services within an hours drive. I appreciate the agricultural diversity in the County. 

How do you see the Library making a difference in our community? 

"We need safe public spaces that support the learning and development of all ages. The staff continually offer programming that is creative and flexible to the needs of the community. We make assumptions that everyone has personal access to technology, but we know that isn’t true and a great public library system aims to fill those gaps." 

What inspired you to join the Library Board? 
 

"I've had a "membership" card for our current Paris Library for over 50 years and welcomed the opportunity to be involved in helping to steer our Library team into the future."

What strengths or experiences do you bring to the Board? 
 

"With a background in Marketing and Communications, and some recent involvement in local politics, I hope to bring a wide range of community engagement experiences to the Board."

What goals or initiatives are you most passionate about supporting? 
 

"I'm very passionate about our New Main Branch project and I like to focus on reminding our community that the Library is a vital institution, and about more than books."

What do you love most about the County of Brant? 
 

"I love the small town charm found within the County. We are 100km from one of the largest cities in the world, but (despite rapid growth) we have our own distinct identity, with many natural and cultural features that make this a great place to live."

How do you see the Library making a difference in our community? 
 

"The Library is an essential Third Space where everyone is welcome, regardless of age, economic position, or political viewpoint...and the Library continues to grow in how it serves the needs of everyone."

What inspired you to join the Library Board? 
 

"Library boards and staff are more professional than museum boards. Both being cultural institutions allowed me to enhance my professional life and give back to the community in a meaningful way. I always have fond memories of going to the library." 

What strengths or experiences do you bring to the Board? 
 

"Having an extensive knowledge of the management of cultural institutions and the principles of good governance are strengths that I bring to the Library Board. Being a member of the LGBTQ+ Community, the library is a place where everyone is welcome. Supporting intellectual freedom, differences of opinion, and the last truly public democratic space are values that I bring to the Library Board." 

What goals or initiatives are you most passionate about supporting? 
 

"Library strategic planning and policy are the foundational elements of a strong library system, which enable staff to deliver the best library service within a cost-effective budget. A new library branch constructed in Paris to replace our old, outdated, and overcapacity facility will enable us to improve the library service we provide to all residents of the County of Brant." 

What do you love most about the County of Brant? 

"Growing up in the County of Brant, I believe we live in one of the best communities in Ontario. We are lucky and blessed to call this place home. I never want to live anywhere else!" 

How do you see the Library making a difference in our community? 
 

"The library is the last place in our community where everyone is made welcome. The Public Libraries Act stipulates that we cannot charge for services the library provides and is accessible to everyone, regardless of income, class, race, or disability."

 
What inspired you to join the Library Board? 
 

"I am an avid library user, especially of digital library services. I wanted a chance to expand my horizons beyond the agricultural community, to learn more about municipal governance and give back by serving on the board."

What strengths or experiences do you bring to the Board? 
 

"I have years of experience on different boards and organizations within the local agricultural community- 4-H, Junior Farmers, Brant County Federation of Agriculture etc."

What goals or initiatives are you most passionate about supporting? 
 

"Community services and events- especially in the more rural areas of the County."

What do you love most about the County of Brant? 
 

"There is nowhere like home! My family has lived on and farmed our land in the County of Brant since 1938, and it is where I have built my business as well. We are so fortunate to call St. George home, and have many friends and neighbours around the community."

How do you see the Library making a difference in our community? 
 

"The library allows for equal access and a safe public place welcoming to all. In these challenging times those places are harder and harder to find, and keeping libraries accessible, modern and welcoming is more essential than ever before." 

What inspired you to join the Library Board? 
 

"I was inspired to join the library board because I deeply value the role libraries play in fostering literacy, equity, and lifelong learning. As a long-time educator and active community volunteer, I’ve seen firsthand how inclusive, accessible spaces like libraries can strengthen connections, spark creativity, and meet the diverse needs of a growing community."

What strengths or experiences do you bring to the Board? 
 

"I bring a range of volunteer, leadership, and professional experiences rooted in community engagement and education. Currently, I serve as a Brant County 4-H Board Member and Media Coordinator, as well as a 4-H Club Leader. I am also an Executive Member of the Women Inspiring Women, Women’s Institute, acting as the Social Media Rep. I have also volunteered with the St. George Garden Club’s Junior Gardener Program. Professionally, I have been a teacher for 25 years and I hold Additional Qualifications in several areas including, Reading Specialist. In addition to my professional and community roles, I am a mother of three and help my husband with the operation of our family farm." 

What goals or initiatives are you most passionate about supporting? 
 

"I am committed to supporting initiatives that promote innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement across all age groups."

What do you love most about the County of Brant? 
 

"Everything! The County of Brant offers the perfect balance — small-town charm with access to all the amenities you could need. The quality of life here is exceptional, with a welcoming, diverse community and a strong sense of belonging. It’s ideally located with easy access to major travel routes, making it convenient without losing that peaceful, rural feel. There’s always something going on — from festivals and fairs to outdoor adventures — there’s something for everyone, in every season. I wouldn’t have wanted my children to grow up anywhere else." 

How do you see the Library making a difference in our community? 

"Libraries are so much more than books. They’re inclusive, welcoming spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect, learn, and grow. They provide free and equal access to information and resources, ensuring everyone—regardless of socioeconomic status—can thrive. From storytime for kids to vital services for newcomers, libraries help build stronger, more connected communities." 

Fun Fact: Kari once performed with the National Ballet of Haiti! 

Hidden Talent: Kari has the ability to accurately eye the amount of Bulk Barn spices she needs to fill her various containers.  

Book Recommendation: Prayer for Owen Mean by John Irving 

What inspired you to join the Library Board? 
 

"I am passionate about libraries and what they mean for communities." 

What strengths or experiences do you bring to the Board? 
 

"I am a long-time educator and community advocate, so I like to use my voice to help make things better." 

What goals or initiatives are you most passionate about supporting? 
 

"I am always passionate about building community and seeing people thrive, together. So any programs that bring people together to learn and grow and serve and connect are ones that I get excited about." 

What do you love most about the County of Brant? 
 

"Brant is beautiful and it just gets better and better as we see more amenities, more diversity, more cultural events arrive in the area."

How do you see the Library making a difference in our community? 
 

"I feel strongly about the library as a third space for community members to gather. It's a place where you can exist and connect and learn. You are welcome there, and you don't have to pay to be there. The library belongs to each and every one of us."