FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                November 30, 2015

LIBRARY RECOGNIZED FOR COLLABORATION AND INNOVATION

The Windsor Public Library Board has been recognized by the Ontario Library Boards Association with its inaugural Public Library Board of the Year Award.  The award will be presented January 28, 2016 at the annual Ontario Library Association conference in Toronto.

The award is given to a Public Library Board that has demonstrated a high level of collaboration and innovation to produce outstanding results. This is exemplified by the facilities plan initiated by the Windsor Public Library Board that positively impacts the future of the library, and provides a roadmap for a sustainable public library service in the context of how our city will evolve over the next 20 or more years. The Board was instrumental in convincing the City of Windsor to budget over $7 million to help implement a facilities plan that focuses on expansion and renovation of the WPL system.

The Windsor Public Library Board is comprised of: Chairperson Dr. Peter Frise, the Hon. Howard Pawley, former premier of Manitoba, and City Councillor Jo-Anne Gignac, all appointed to the Board in May 2012: community members Dan Lee and Margaret Payne appointed in February 2013: and City Councillor, Dr. Irek Kusmierczyk appointed in December 2013.  Following the Municipal Election of October 2014, the Board was re-appointed, with the addition of City Councillor Rino Bortolin.

In making the announcement, City of Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said, “this award recognizes the Windsor Public Library Boards’ support of excellent customer service, team work, community service and their personal commitment to providing efficient use  of public funds and capitalization on opportunities to improve. The hard work and commitment of the staff and their belief in the library system and the direction established by the Board should also be applauded.”

“I am pleased and honoured to accept this award on behalf of my fellow Directors,” said Dr. Frise.  “Given the challenges we have faced over the past several years, the award is proof that we have turned the page and Windsor Public Library is moving ahead with many exciting plans.”

“OLBA’s Awards Committee applauds the work and efforts of the Board to bring Windsor Public Library back into the spotlight, and stands as a shining example of strength over adversity,” said Ontario Library Boards’ Association President Lynn Humfress-Trute. “This was no mean feat given the obstacles and challenges this board inherited, and its perseverance and determination has not gone unnoticed.”

The nomination was submitted by the Windsor Public Library Management team, who work with the Board on a daily basis.

ABOUT WPL: Since 1894, the Windsor Public Library has been a meeting place for people, ideas, learning and culture.  Each year over one million people visit the Windsor Public Library’s 10 locations to borrow books, CDs, videos, talking books, and electronic books, as well as reference materials and attend programs.  Children, adults, seniors, and the business community – all Windsorites – benefit from the wide range of information freely available at the Windsor Public Library or at www.windsorpubliclibrary.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Chris Woodrow                       519.255.6770 Ext. 4430 (office)         519.796.2640 (Cell)  cwoodrow@windsorpubliclibrary.com

Lynn Humfress-Trute             519.232-9190                                                  trute@execulink.com