By June Norvila
The Bentley Municipal Library has a new manager who is eager to meet patrons and become familiar with her new position.
Suzanne Moore, who lives in the Brighton Beach area along the southern shore of Gull Lake, was hired recently by the library board and she knows she faces a steep learning curve.
"I am just learning about policies, guidelines, and the Parkland Regional Library (PRL) system," Moore said Nov. 3, her second day on the job. "The library board is excellent and they answer my questions so quickly. Everyone here is so helpful and friendly and knowledgeable. I will have an orientation session next week from a PRL representative with a follow up in a couple of weeks."
The Moores moved to Brighton Beach and built a house there three years ago. She was driving back and forth to work in Red Deer.
"When I moved here I felt cut off so was so pleased to find there was such a place (the library) in town where I could get away from the nailing and hammering (of building a new home) and escape to a more quiet place."
When she saw the library manager position advertised she was definitely interested. "I applied because I felt I met their criteria," Moore says. "I wanted a challenge, something different (than the career guidance counselling she had been doing) and was semi-retired."
Following an interview by a panel of three she was offered the job.
"I am excited to be trying something new. I want to help raise the profile of the library, generate more memberships, and offer more programming. I see this as a team effort. It is not about me being in charge," Moore stated.
She praises the current staff's efforts for keeping things going so well while there was no manager in place after the resignation of former library manager Tina Whitfield, who also had done a marvelous job.
Moore expects to hold brainstorming sessions and try new things although new programs probably won't be offered until next spring, she says.
Current staff also includes clerks Jo-Anne Kinley, Vera Boettger and Becky Peterson.
Moore is looking forward to being introduced at the library's annual general meeting on Nov. 10 at the library. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. and the public is invited. The library board welcomes anyone interested in getting involved and wanting to make a difference in the community.
People are reminded that the library will be closed Remembrance Day in honor of the veterans.
Regular library hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sat. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays.