The award-winning Springwater Public Library has earned yet another feather in its cap.
Adrian Graham, chair of the library’s board, was awarded the James Bain Medallion at the Ontario Public Library Association’s Super Conference Awards Gala last night in Toronto.
The medallion is awarded to a library board member who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in governing a public library in Ontario and is named in recognition of the Ontario Library Association’s first president, who was also the chief librarian of the Toronto Public Library.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled being named the recipient of the James Bain Medallion,” Graham said in an email to BarrieToday. “This recognition is not only a reflection of my individual efforts, but also the hard work and dedication of the entire library board with whom I have had the privilege of working.
“We do everything as a team,” he added.
Graham was nominated for the award by Jodie Delgado, the library’s chief executive officer.
According to the nomination criteria, Graham had to demonstrate significant contributions to at least two of the following categories:
- Cohesive leadership in library governance resulting in an effective and responsible library board
- Significant accomplishments toward the advancement of library services and the development and implementation of sound policies
- Strong advocacy for the significance and importance of the library’s role in community development and for strengthening the image of the library as a contributor to the economic and cultural development of the city, town or county
- Awareness of the changing needs of the community and evidence of community partnerships
- Good judgment in implementing ideas which have increased service delivery and efficiency
- Ability to motivate, inspire and influence civic or provincial leaders to ensure that the library meets the informational, educational and recreational needs of all citizens with adequate financial support
- Awareness and vision of innovations and opportunities available within the library sector to meet the needs of their future patrons.
“Adrian fulfilled multiple categories the past year,” Delgado said. “Under his leadership, the board adopted a new strategic plan and financial control was transferred to the board.”
Additionally, Graham has been involved in growing the Friends of the Library group, negotiating the library’s first collective agreement with its newly unionized employees and reviewing the results of a community survey.
While the volume of work has increased for Graham and his fellow board members, he believes it’s well worth the extra effort as it’s improving library services for residents who, Graham admits, can be quite adamant about their needs.
“Our community members were very vocal that they love our library system and staff,” Graham said of the survey. “In a growing community, they also made it clear that they want increased hours, upgraded facilities, more space, more staff, and more resources.
Graham said the library will now focus on the four priorities that have been identified in its strategic plan:
- Infrastructure and facilities
- Responsible governance and fiscal responsibility
- Connection to community
- Planning for and managing growth.
“Everything we do moving forward will be tied to these four priorities,” he said. “A good example is planning for the library section of the new community hub. That’s exciting work."
Delgado described Graham as a calming voice at the board table, a strategic thinker who sees the big picture and makes decisions based on data.
“He embodies the values of equality for all and freedom of speech and is concerned about the library’s standing in the community,” Delgado said. “He is aware of our changing community and how that will impact library services.”
According to Delgado, the award, even though it’s for one member, demonstrates the high level of expertise and knowledge the board provides.
Graham agreed.
“As a board, our goal has been to ensure that our library system remains independent of local politics, is recognized and treated as an independent corporation and is accessible, inclusive and an innovative space for all members of our community,” he said. “I believe that winning this award recognizes and substantiates our efforts at a provincial level.”
