The Whistler Public Library has a new leader at its helm — Elizabeth Tracy.
The former Telluride, Colorado resident was selected after an extensive search was carried out by the library board, with assistance from the RMOW's human resources department. The library director position has been shared on an interim basis by Libby McKeever and Nadine White since November 2011.
"We are delighted to make this announcement and happy to welcome Elizabeth Tracy to the Whistler Public Library," said Gord Annand, Whistler Public Library Chair.
"Elizabeth brings over 12 years of experience to the role and will continue the great tradition of excellent library service for our community."
Tracy earned her bachelor of arts in art history from the University of Missouri in Kansas City and has a masters in library and information science from Emporia State University.
She was most recently the youth services manager for the Wilkinson Public Library and a member of its staff for more than seven years in Telluride.
"The highlight of my experience in Telluride was the redesign and restructuring of the children's and young adult areas in the library," said Tracy.
"The children's area generated an average of 500 programs per year for children, parents and families enabling us to connect with over 12,000 participants per year."
In addition to her work at the Wilkinson Public Library, Tracy has also worked in the field of art history in various capacities as a manager of youth services, tour director and festival production assistant, research associate, librarian and library assistant.
"I was looking for an opportunity to take my knowledge and experience to the next level, with a dynamic organization in a place that was compatible with my lifestyle," she said.
Tracy will begin her role as library director on Monday, June 25.
The Whistler Public Library Association was formed in December 1985 and in 2008, the current facility opened its doors. The library is funded primarily through the RMOW and the Libraries and Literacy Branch of the Ministry of Education. It welcomes over 220,000 visitors per year and is home to 54,871 books.
