By Ursula Maxwell-Lewis
Melanie Houlden became Surrey’s Chief Librarian in January this year.
An exciting new chapter of this single mom’s career, the challenges clearly inspire her.
Working her way through college, volunteering at local libraries, tackling part-time positions within the system, she has earned her distinguished byline.
Over coffee at Surrey City Centre Library she tells me: “We want to make sure this is a real place for people to come together to learn new things – not just in this library, but in all Surrey’s libraries. We’ve moved away from a role of passively dispensing books.”
Indicating the growing Surrey library system’s role as a hub of social activities, arts, culture and literary workshops, she reflects on the critical role played in integrating new Canadians into our society.
“We particularly pride ourselves in shepherding parents and children into Canadians norms. It’s a role we’re happy to embrace,” she says as a young South Asian mom wheels by with a two-year-old. “Helping prepare little one ones for school is especially important,” she says.
The Gordon Smith art commissioned for the library entrance and coffee area, she points out, introduces the public to work that might only be available in expensive restaurants, galleries or offices. “It’s a philosophy encouraged citywide,” she points out.
“Technology? It’s a struggle for everyone. Who knows what it will look like in 5 or 10 years,” she says. In her opinion, Surrey is a leader in offering research, homework and e-book capabilities for all ages. “School support programs for kids are key,” she says. With a daughter of her own, she understands the challenges local and immigrant parents face. Libraries are now offering broader, and more comprehensive support than ever. Surrey’s new chief librarian takes that challenge very seriously.
The full interview with Melanie Houlden is at www.youtube.com/user/YouTravel1