Kitchener Public Library

We are hiring Sunday service staff! Sunday service staff play an integral role in offering the community extended library hours at Central Library. This is a great opportunity to join the team at Kitchener Public Library! Available positions: ✅ Sunday Service Supervisor ✅ Senior Library Assistant, Heffner Studio ✅ Senior Library Assistant, Information Services ✅ Senior Library Assistant, Wellbeing and Community Connections ✅ Library Assistant, Circulation Services ✅ Library Assistant, Children’s and Teen Services ✅ Movie Attendant, Children’s and Teen Services Apply by Friday, August 23. Find more information on our website: https://lnkd.in/gZiPb7Px

📣 We’re hiring a Human Resources Associate! In this role you will lead recruitment efforts for staff and volunteers, collaborate on recognition programs and oversee performance management across the library system. Kitchener Public Library is a place where people connect, ideas flourish and lives are transformed. Apply by Thursday, July 18 to be a part of this rewarding work: https://lnkd.in/gZiPb7Px

There are still volunteer positions available for Introduction to Photography for Newcomer Seniors! We’re looking for volunteers over the age of 55 who have experience with photography. Volunteers will help develop content and teach photography skills to newcomers in Canada. Positions are available for two six-week sessions. Sessions run from September to October 2024 and January to February 2025. Apply today: https://lnkd.in/erAQEYQJ

We’re hiring! We create spaces where people connect, ideas flourish and lives are transformed. Be a part of this rewarding work at the Kitchener Public Library! There are two great opportunities: ➡️ Manager, Program and Service Design, Information Services This position plays a leadership role in coordinating adult programming and services. They will also act as the department’s second-in-charge and support smooth operations. ➡️ Senior Library Assistant, Wellbeing and Community Connections This position works with staff to develop and maintain a welcoming environment. They will also connect with the vulnerable community and check on the well-being of customers. Apply for these positions by Monday, May 27: https://lnkd.in/gZiPb7Px

Kitchener Public Library is looking for adult volunteers over the age of 55 with photography experience. Volunteers will support an upcoming photography program for newcomer seniors. This program teaches basic photography skills so that participants can use a camera to capture what belonging means to them. This program is made possible by the New Horizons for Seniors grant. Volunteers will bring: ✅ Photography experience ✅ Knowledge of digital cameras ✅ Basic photo editing skills ✅ Interest in visual storytelling ✅ Photography instruction experience is an asset Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/erAQEYQJ

The Wellbeing and Community Connections team at Kitchener Public Library was established in 2017 and was one of the first of its kind for a public library in Canada. The team focuses on supporting vulnerable community members including members of the community experiencing homelessness, addiction and mental health concerns. Bryan, Senior Library Assistant on the Wellbeing and Community Connections team, enjoys supporting the community and the opportunity to do so in the library setting. “That’s a big part of why I love working at Kitchener Public Library,” said Bryan. “I get to spend time with amazing people, sharing some of the humour and heartbreak of daily life and trying to support people and help them access supports.” At Kitchener Public Library we believe that “the library belongs to the community, and everyone in the community belongs at the library.” This resonates strongly with Bryan, and he works to support this vision every day. When you see Bryan in action, his care and compassion for the community is clear. “I get to be a presence in the library, connect with people and seek to support them in whatever way may be needed, useful or desired,” said Bryan. “This is meaningful and important work but also a challenge, especially when community resources like emergency shelter spaces are not keeping pace with needs.” Bryan first got involved with community-focused work during the pandemic. He worked for three years at St. John’s Kitchen, a local community agency supporting the vulnerable sector including many people experiencing homelessness. At the library he continues to support community members and others by building relationships and making important connections. “To be able to do this work in a library setting is amazing,” said Bryan. “The variety of people, the variety of programming, the connection and collaboration with different community partners and agencies – it's good to be able to do this work together.” Get to know Bryan: https://lnkd.in/g8P2WK_C

Are you planning a professional event in Downtown Kitchener? Consider renting space at Central Library! Use our space to host a conference, tradeshow or corporate event. Central Library Theatre holds 200 people and features a high-quality AV system including our 4K laser projector. It’s a great space for your large presentation or keynote speaker. Book an additional four meeting rooms for the full conference experience. From 20 to 200 people, we have a space for you! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ge8HiXiR

As part of our National Volunteer Week celebrations this year, we had the honour to speak with one of our volunteers, Bahar. Bahar first started visiting Kitchener Public Library as a graduate student. After finishing school and starting her career in tech, Bahar was looking for a place to contribute to her community. As a lifelong library lover, Bahar looked for an opportunity with Kitchener Public Library. “The first place I thought of was Kitchener Public Library because I was hoping to spend more time at the library and provide whatever support I could,” said Bahar. “I found the Tech Tutor program and thought it would be a great match for me.” Bahar has volunteered her time as a Tech Tutor since 2019. Tech Tutors is a drop-in program where volunteers like Bahar provide one-on-one support for a variety of tech needs. People can stop by and ask the Tech Tutors a question about anything tech related. Tech Tutors can help you learn how to use a smartphone or computer or how to use certain apps and websites. As a Tech Tutor it is an opportunity to help people in real time. People are appreciative of the support. One customer returned again the next week to thank Bahar for her help. “The main thing that keeps me motivated is the joy I feel when I help someone out. It is really heartwarming to see someone’s excitement about learning something new or being able to do something they didn’t think they could.” Volunteers share their time, skills, creativity and more. Every contribution matters and Bahar’s enthusiasm for volunteering and her community is clear. “I would say that it is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and it is definitely worth the time you put into it. Like so many other things in life, it is hard to start and easy to put it off. But once you start it is such a great feeling and absolutely worth it.” We are grateful for the support of all our volunteers. No matter the role, every moment matters. thank you! If you are feeling inspired by Bahar’s story and want to learn more about current volunteer opportunities, visit kpl.org/volunteer.

The Kitchener Public Library Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Solomon to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective April 15, 2024. Solomon was chosen after an extensive leadership search. Solomon is a catalyzing leader, most recently serving as CEO for Richmond Hill Public Library where he led system-wide transformation. Solomon started his career as a journalist working at the CBC and CTV before moving to Cineplex, Canada’s most iconic entertainment and media companies. “We are excited to welcome Darren Solomon to Kitchener Public Library. We believe his spirit of innovation will fit in well with both Kitchener Public Library and the City of Kitchener as a whole,” said Katherine Andrews, Kitchener Public Library Board Chair. “Based on his experience, both inside and outside libraries, his sense of purpose and his openness to listen and learn, we are confident he will offer a fresh perspective and work with our excellent Kitchener Public Library team to achieve our vision of inspiring and enriching for life.” Solomon’s appointment follows the retirement of Mary Chevreau in February 2024. Chevreau served as CEO since May 2015. Under Chevreau’s leadership Kitchener Public Library expanded programs and services, created a state-of-the-art recording studio and moved the library to a fines-free service model among other accomplishments. As CEO, Solomon will work closely with the Library Board and partners to ensure Kitchener Public Library remains a bold, dynamic and forward-thinking community leader. “I’m honoured to take on the CEO role at Kitchener Public Library,” said Solomon. “Kitchener Public Library has a great reputation as a progressive organization and I’m excited to be part of a team that is so focused on bettering the community every day.”

We're hiring! Libraries are central to the community and this is your chance to be part of Kitchener Public Library's team. We are currently hiring for the role of Manager, Wellbeing and Community Connections. Learn more about the role and apply at https://lnkd.in/gZiPb7Px