Peter Kafka aims to listen to the community and change with the times.
"As our community and society change, so will library services, and the board and staff look forward to meeting those challenges directly," said the newly appointed chair of the Richmond Public Library
Kafka was named at a Richmond City Council meeting Jan. 30
Simon Tang was appointed vice-chair. Returning board members include Dulce Cuenca, Mark Bostwick, Sanjiv Khangura, Diana Cousar, Susan Koch and former chair Pat Watson.
Coun. Linda Barnes will also continue her role as the city council representative to the Richmond Public Library Board.
As the new board chair, Kafka is looking forward to fulfilling his task with an eye for community needs.
The former CEO of the Louis Brier Home and Hospital, and current human resources and management consultant, said the board wants to hear "what our community really wants from the library, what their needs are, and how we can transform over the next five to 10 years to best meet those emerging needs."
In fulfilling those demands, the focus lies on reading and literacy, English language learning, school and studying, and community building. In line with societal changes, the library offers free access to a whole array of digital services alongside its range of conventional books.
Kafka said Richmond residents are invited to come and explore the library, to get themselves involved in the services provided and to "shape the future of our library in the 21st century."
Such community involvement results in a win-win situation for both the library and residents, according to the board chair.
