Library welcomes new interim director

Andrea Roberts
Times Intern

 

The Strathmore Municipal Library recently welcomed Alexis McKenzie as the new interim director of the library.
McKenzie takes the reins from Rachel Dick Hughes, who is on maternity leave.
“I am in love with Strathmore,” said McKenzie. “The feeling is very similar to where I grew up. It is very community-minded with a lot of people participating. I am really excited to be a part of it.”
McKenzie started her new position on July 4 and, despite only having worked a few weeks, she was already thankful to have been given the opportunity to work in her dream job.
McKenzie grew up in a small town outside of Abbotsford, B.C. and said Strathmore gives her the same kind of community feeling she grew up with.
After studying at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she obtained her English Literature degree, she went to McGill University to obtain a Library Science Degree in 2012. Working for a library was an easy decision for McKenzie as she has always loved reading and helping people.
“A good part of why I love libraries so much is sometimes I miss school,” she said. “I loved school and learning all the time. Libraries are the perfect place to continue that life-long learning process.”
McKenzie has worked in a number of different libraries, sharing her expertise in both academic and public libraries. She said public libraries in particular hold a special place in her heart.
As interim director, McKenzie will help run the everyday activities of the library, meet with organizations that work in partnership with the library, and help to spearhead some of the initiatives and programs the library is part of. And an avid reader since childhood, she is prepared to help with any questions library users may have about books.