Library Board

Mondee Redman, Chair

serving the Board since 2006 (served previously from 1989 to 1994)

In addition to serving on the Board, I work in Burnaby at Telus Mobility. I am an almost lifelong resident of North Burnaby and have been very active in the community.

I support local and animal charities. As a Burnaby Emergency Social Services volunteer, I help people and their pets affected by disasters, such as house and apartment fires. I was also a Burnaby school trustee from 1993 to 2005, and I am now in my 10th year on the Burnaby Public Library Board.

Ernest Y. (Ernie) Maitland, Vice Chair

serving the Board since 2007

As well as my work on the Burnaby Public Library Board, I am a retired transportation specialist and author.

For me, serving on the Board enables me to repay BPL for all the good services I have received from them. The more I am involved with the Library, the more my love of literature increases.

David Ali

serving the Board since 2011

As well as my work on the Burnaby Public Library Board, I am a retired engineer, having worked for Telus in engineering in Burnaby. I also volunteer at Burnaby's Masjid Al Salaam.

I'm happy to serve on the Burnaby Public Library Board because a library plays a major role in the community. I feel attached, as I devote a lot of my time volunteering in the community, helping feed the homeless and working with interfaith and multi-faith groups.

Roberto Fasciana

serving the Board since 2010

As a passionate person who loves books, I am pleased to serve on the BPL Board. In the past five years, I served on the Social Issue Committee, and serving BPL is another opportunity to give back to the community of Burnaby.

As well as being part of the BPL Board, I work as an accountant for Westgeest and Associates, a company that attends to both personal and business financial re-organization and restructuring.

Sharon Freeman

serving the Board since 2009 (served previously from 2001 to 2006)

As well as my work on the Burnaby Public Library Board, I am the head teacher and teacher-librarian at Stride Avenue Community School in Burnaby.

For me, serving on the Board means that I'm able to give back to my community in an area that I'm passionate about. I'm thrilled to have been reappointed to the Board, and I look forward to working with other members to continue the implementation of the strategic plan.

Satnam S. Johal

serving the Board since 2011

I have been living in Burnaby since 1990 and have worked as a realtor for the last 26 years. In the past five years, I served on a property assessment review panel and also on a couple of other boards of non-profit organizations.

I am pleased to serve on the Burnaby Public Library Board in order to have a good opportunity to give back to the community of Burnaby.

Lee Loftus

serving the Board since 2009

I am pleased to serve on the Burnaby Public Library Board because it is a natural extension of the work I have done in adult education and literacy for working people. I have been fortunate in my previous employment to assist in the establishment of two small specialty libraries – one for general workplace resources and another for occupational health and safety.

As well as my work for the Board, I am responsible for the operation and administration of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Union Local 118. I am also currently involved in minor sports in Burnaby, being particularly committed to soccer and lacrosse, which my children have played at every level.

Sheila Pierce

serving the Board since 2011

As an avid reader, the library was my lifeline as a youth. As an adult, I continue to be a library user and supporter. I am proud of Burnaby’s busy and innovative libraries and want to see them continue and flourish. As a trustee, I want to do my part to support the continuation of this essential community service.

In addition to my work as a trustee, I am an active fitness participant at Bonsor, a bridge player at Cameron and a would-be golfer at local courses. I volunteer at Royal Columbian Hospital and am on the executive of an international women educators society (DKG). I am a retired Burnaby secondary school principal.

Councillor Anne Kang, City Council representative

serving the Board since 2009

As well as my work on the Burnaby Public Library Board, I am a special education teacher in the Burnaby School District.

I'm happy to serve on the Board because I want to contribute to increasing public awareness of the importance of literacy and improve access to programs offered by the Burnaby Public Library.

Edel Toner-Rogala, Chief Librarian and Secretary to the Board

I've worked in public libraries for more than 30 years. I started my career in a small rural public library in north-eastern New Brunswick in 1978 and moved to Manitoba in 1984. In 1992, I relocated to Prince George to be the chief librarian at PGPL, and in 2003 I was fortunate to be offered the position of chief librarian here in Burnaby.

I believe that staff at Burnaby Public Library demonstrate their commitment to this community everyday by providing caring and expert service. We're passionate about sharing stories, and we really enjoy connecting people to the information they need. We're fortunate to work with a Library Board and a City Council that understand the role a public library can play in building an inclusive community – one where everyone is welcome and everyone is seen as having something to contribute.

Deb Thomas, Deputy Chief Librarian and Bob Prittie Metrotown Branch Manager

I have worked in libraries for over 30 years and in public libraries for 21 years. I am passionate about public libraries and the vital role they play in community development and in creating a literate and engaged citizenry.

Throughout my library career, I have been an active member of a number of library association and community boards. I know well the energy and time commitment required. It is heartening to serve alongside a group of dedicated volunteer Board members who are firmly committed to ensuring that Burnaby Public Library is responsive and progressive – and is the place Burnaby residents come to be "informed, literate and entertained."