Coquitlam Public Library has a new executive director.
And it didn’t have to look far to fill the role.
Today (Aug. 14), the library announced that veteran librarian Anthea Goffe will replace Todd Gnissios, who was dismissed by the board after a decade in the top job.
Goffe has acted in the position since February.
Previously, she was the director of community engagement at the library, which has two branches — City Centre and Poirier — and soon a third branch on Burke Mountain in the Northeast Community Centre.
During her eight years at CPL, Goffe has developed the library programs and services including expanding the Library Link mobile library from two to seven days a week.
Goffe, who has a master’s degree in library science from UBC and recently completed a certificate in Public Library Leadership from the University of Toronto and Canadian Urban Libraries Council, was also an integral part in the library’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, with a focus on public safety.
In a press release, Goffe said it’s her goal to boost the library’s engagement and outreach with the community.
“To me, this means balancing traditional services and stewardship with innovation and new avenues of service,” she stated.
“I am looking forward to continuing this journey with Coquitlam Public Library.”
Added Coquitlam Coun. Matt Djonlic, a library trustee, "I’m thrilled about the leadership Anthea will bring to Coquitlam Public Library as we embark on opening a third branch and hit the road with the new Library Link bus.
"I know she will continue to strengthen traditional library services while looking for new avenues to innovate," he said.
