Three new members joined the FOPL Board at our AGM on April 24.
Welcome to Marianne LaBerge, Chantal Gingras, and Laura Carter!
Marianne LaBerge joins us as a Trustee for the Northern Caucus.
Marianne is a board member of the Blind River Public Library. She is retired from the Greater Sudbury Police Service where she served as Supervisor and temporarily as Manager of their 911 Communications Emergency Centre. She was also a Civilian Director for the Sudbury Police Association for 17 years. In addition to Blind River PL, she is also a board member of the OPP East Algoma Detachment Police Service Board, a committee member of Community Living Algoma, and a member and volunteer of the Northshore Health Network Auxiliary. She has been living in Northern Ontario for 37 years.
Chantal Gingras joins us as a CEO rep for the Norther Caucus.
Chantal’s library career started as a high school Library Page, a role that sparked a lifelong love for books and community spaces. After working through various roles and completing her MLIS at the University of Alberta in 2019, she now leads the Marathon Public Library as CEO. Chantal is dedicated to ensuring the library remains a vibrant, welcoming hub for everyone. When she isn’t at the stacks, you’ll find her teaching on the judo mats or exploring the outdoors with her two children.
Laura Carter joins us as a CEO rep for the Large Urban Caucus.
Laura Carter (she/her) is the Chief Librarian and CEO of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL). Beginning her library career as a volunteer before she was old enough to be a Page, Laura has long been guided by a belief in the transformative power of public libraries.
A graduate of the University of Toronto (MISt) and Queen’s University (MPA), Laura has been an active contributor and advocate for the library sector, previously serving as an OPLA Councillor and as Treasurer for the Administrators of Rural-Urban Public Libraries of Ontario (ARUPLO). In addition to being on the FOPL Board, Laura is Secretary/Treasurer of the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC). Deeply involved in her community, Laura is a volunteer and Board member with the Kingston Waterfront Rotary Club, currently serving as Service Chair.