Notice of the Retirement of the Chief Executive Officer
Brampton Library announces the retirement of Rebecca Raven from the position of Chief
Executive Officer, effective January 31, 2020.
Jaipaul Massey Singh, Brampton Library Board Chair said: ”It’s been a true pleasure to have
worked with Rebecca over the past years; her deep knowledge, collaborative nature, and
passion for the role libraries play in a community has inspired many to think boldly about the
future of Brampton Library. Rebecca’s leadership has extended beyond the walls of our
buildings and into the community as a whole where she and the organization have set an
example for what partnership and innovation look like.”
Ms. Raven has stewarded the organization through significant change, responding to and
anticipating the needs of residents in an energetic, rapidly growing city since she was hired as
the Brampton Library’s CEO in 2013. Her key contributions are many and include the following:
The 2017-2021 Strategic Plan, developed with Board and community input, focuses on
the modernization of Brampton’s perceptions of public library service and was launched
in conjunction with a complementary visual identity and logo
Springdale Branch Library opened in the spring of 2018 to accolades from the
community and beyond. This award-winning architectural gem is a beacon in the
neighbourhood and welcomes more than 1,000 customers daily
The On-the-Go Mobile Van, launched in 2018, provides increased access to 21st
century digital literacies by taking technology to underserved areas of the City
The South West Branch, Brampton Library’s eighth location, is scheduled to open in late
fall 2019
Significant investments in staff training and development have ensured staff is prepared
and eager to provide the best, most efficient library service to the community
Brampton Library is recognized as an industry leader in newcomer settlement services
and innovative technology partnerships─both crucial services in one of Canada’s most
diverse cities
“Brampton Library is an amazing organization,” said Rebecca Raven. “I am so grateful to have
had the opportunity to lead a dedicated staff team in the provision of exemplary library service to
the citizens of Brampton. These are exciting times for public libraries in Canada and I am proud
to have contributed to the innovation and resiliency of our organization and its employees. I
extend my sincerest thanks to all the staff, board members and colleagues that I have had the
pleasure of collaborating with over the years.”
Beyond Brampton’s borders, Ms. Raven has spent her 35 year career as a passionate advocate
promoting the critical importance of the public library as an essential element in thriving
communities. She has also served as the Co-creator and Program Director of PLLeaders, a
national leadership development program co-sponsored by the Canadian Urban Libraries
Council and the University of Toronto’s iSchool to prepare senior library staff for the challenges
and rewards of public library leadership.
“Although we will miss Rebecca dearly, she has set Brampton Library on a course for continued
success and I thank her for her significant contributions,” said Massey-Singh.
Please join us in wishing Rebecca well and continued success as she begins this new chapter.
Brampton Library Branches are open every day to serve you. Our services include free Wi-Fi
and computer use, space to study and collaborate, innovative MakerSpaces with free 3D
printing and more. Reserve your selections online for pick-up and return at any branch. Library
membership is free and most children’s materials are fine-free. For details, visit
www.bramptonlibrary.ca and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contact:
June Dickenson, Manager, Marketing & Communications
jdickenson@bramptonlibrary.ca
Office: (905) 793-4636 ext. 74368
Cell: (905) 541-4556