July 8, 2019
London Public Library CEO and Chief Librarian to Retire
After 29 years at London Public Library, including the last 11 years as Chief Executive Officer & Chief Librarian, Susanna Hubbard Krimmer has announced that she will retire at the end of August this year.
Susanna Hubbard Krimmer is an accomplished, highly-respected leader in the library profession. In 2016 she was recognized with the Ontario Library Association President’s Award for Exceptional Achievement and in 2018 she received the Ontario Library Association (OLA) Lifetime Achievement Award.
The last decade has been a period of significant innovation, revitalization and financial stewardship at London Public Library (LPL). Ms. Hubbard Krimmer’s retirement takes place as the current strategic plan wraps up. LPL’s strategic plan, Library Space is Community Place, saw outstanding community consultation and outreach, with more than 7,500 Londoners providing feedback. This plan emphasized creating more personalized user experiences and exceptional physical spaces as well as demonstrating LPL’s leadership, value and return on investment to the citizens of London.
Ms. Hubbard Krimmer has led LPL through a period of facility renewal, with renovations to the branch libraries serving communities across London. The historic Glanworth Branch Library was rebuilt and made physically accessible. Most recently, LPL opened the already popular Bostwick Branch Library in the new multipurpose facility in the southwest in partnership with the City of London and the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario.
The revitalization of Central Library included extensive infrastructure renewal, supported through funding from the City of London. It also included the addition of new spaces for studying, meeting and gathering and the establishment of creative spaces such as The Labs which were made possible through $1.8 million in donations raised through LPL’s Infinite Possibilities Campaign.
Other highlights from Ms. Hubbard Krimmer’s time as CEO include the expansion of the Library’s role in community development; numerous service improvements to increase access to library services and remove barriers; ongoing support for city-wide service initiatives such as London’s Child and Youth Network and new Family Centre model; the Ivey Family London Room’s 50th anniversary and collections digitization projects; and the redevelopment of Wolf Performance Hall into a high quality performance venue for our community. And CBC London’s new digital station, located within the Central Library and facing onto Dundas Place was launched to great success.
“It has been an honour to serve the community and to be part of a very special organization that makes a difference in people’s lives” Ms. Hubbard Krimmer says in reflecting on her years at LPL. “The success of the Library is not an accomplishment of the CEO alone. It has been amazing and humbling to work with so many dedicated and passionate LPL employees and volunteers (including the Library Board and the Friends of the London Public Library) who have come together to work relentlessly for our shared passion and purpose.”
Ms. Hubbard Krimmer adds: “I have also been most fortunate to have had wonderful, collaborative colleagues at the City of London who have supported the Library and our purpose and values of accessibility, diversity and inclusion.”
Ms. Hubbard Krimmer announced her plans to retire to the Library Board and staff in late 2018. The Board has been working with Prime Management Group Inc. to conduct the search for Ms. Hubbard Krimmer’s successor as CEO.
Mariam Hamou, Chair of the London Public Library Board and in her 5th year serving on the Board, will miss Ms. Hubbard Krimmer’s depth of knowledge and expertise. “Susanna has such a depth of knowledge about libraries and is looked on as an expert on library governance and policy. She has always generously shared her work and knowledge with her colleagues throughout Canada. She has been a great mentor to me and many others.”
A dedicated community supporter, Ms. Hubbard Krimmer looks forward to continuing to be involved in her city through volunteerism and philanthropy. As part of her legacy at London Public Library, she has donated funds to create a Staff Training Room at Central Library to honour the many contributions of Library staff.
Mariam Hamou
Chair, London Public Library Board