KFPL appoints new Chief Librarian/CEO

While the position may be new to her, there’s not a lot about the Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) new Chief Librarian and CEO, Laura Carter, isn’t familiar with.

That’s because Carter isn’t new to Kingston, nor to KFPL — In fact, she’s held the role of Director of Branch Experience since 2015. And, after a nation-wide recruitment process, the KFPL Board announced Carter would fill the position on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019. The position has remained vacant since the end of August 2019, when former Chief Librarian and CEO, Patricia Enright officially retired after 15 years. Enright’s retirement was announced in July of 2019.

Carter brings a strong educational background — including a Master of Information Studies from the University of Toronto and a Master of Public Administration of Queen’s University — into her new role. Additionally, Carter has been very active in the Kingston community, contributing to local organizations and advocating for community relationships. She currently sits on the Board of Kingston Literacy and Skills, and is a member of the Kingston Waterfront Rotary Club, where she was recently awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship. Carter has also served on the Board of the Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation.

In terms of the library community, Carter currently serves as the Chair of the Conference Planning Committee for the Ontario Library Association (OLA)’s Annual Institute on Library as Place. She has also served as the Eastern Region Councillor for the Ontario Public Library Association, and as Treasurer of the Administrators of Urban-Rural Public Libraries of Ontario.

Carter’s appointment was unanimously approved by the Board of the KFPL.

“The Board is very confident in Laura’s ability to take on this new position and looks forward to working with her,” said Monica Stewart, Chair of the KFPL Board, noting that the Board extends its appreciation to Lester Webb, Interim Chief Librarian and CEO, for his support through the transition.

Carter will assume her new role in December of 2019.

“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead the Kingston Frontenac Public Library’s exceptional staff, and to work with the Library Board, City of Kingston, and County of Frontenac to provide relevant, timely, and community-focused collections and services to our residents,” she said.