As BC SRC starts to wind down, we are excited to share the news of our 2024 BC SRC Co-Chair team. But before we begin, we’d like to thank Jennie Castleton and Surrey Libraries for her service as the 2022 & 2023 BC SRC Co-Chair! Jennie brought her veteran expertise to the role and helped BC SRC and libraries navigate the transitions of returning to in-person programming. Jennie will continue to lead Surrey Libraries as their SRC Coordinator and is now officially in her Past Chair role for BC SRC. Thank you, Jennie!
For 2024, BC SRC will be lead by Outgoing Chair Kate Wood. As a former YAACS Chair, Kate brings her passion and knowledge of all things youth services. She will be joined by not one, but TWO co-chairs from Prince George Public Library: Victoria Ellis and Larissa Clotildes! We are thrilled to have a Core Committee with representation from across the province, as well as in staff roles. This adds valuable perspectives in how BC SRC can serve libraries and their staff, as well as communities across the province.
Now let’s meet our 2024 Co-Chairs!
Kate Wood
Representing from Victoria, the traditional homelands of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) Peoples
Hello! I’m Kate and this is my second year as the Summer Reading Club Co-Chair. It has been such an incredible experience getting to see what goes on “behind the scenes” with SRC. I have had so much fun working with the team and developing this amazing program that is loved by so many kids in British Columbia.…time travelling dinosaurs? Yes, please! Summer Reading Club helps to support my fundamental librarian belief that everyone should have access to literacy, and that reading should be FUN!
When I’m not brainstorming new SRC ideas with the rest of the team, you might find me telling terrible jokes, dancing like no one is watching (whoops, except they totally are!) or enjoying this incredible island that I call home. My favourite dino of SRC 2023 is the triceratops. What’s yours?
Victoria Ellis
Representing the Prince George Public Library, located on the traditional and unceded ancestral lands of the Lheidli T’enneh
Hello! I’m Victoria and I’m a library assistant in the youth department at the Prince George Public Library, which is located on the traditional and unceded ancestral lands of the Lheidli T’enneh. I can’t wait to share my love of literacy, reading, and bookie adventures with everyone! The Summer Reading Club is very near and dear to my heart. The opportunities for youths to share and learn from each other during the program, all while being creative, is something truly special. When I’m not cooking up ideas as co-chair you’ll find me kayaking in the Central Interior, gaming, or nose-deep in a good book.
Larissa Clotildes
Representing the Prince George Public Library, located on the traditional and unceded ancestral lands of the Lheidli T’enneh
Hi, I’m Larissa and I am the Community Engagement Librarian for Youth at the Prince George Public Library in Prince George, situated on the unceded ancestral territory of the Lheidli T’enneh people. I have worked at the PGPL for over a decade and in over half-a-dozen different positions, including a period as a Library Assistant in youth services, during which time I ran the Summer Reading Club at PGPL. After a few years away from children’s programming to have a baby, finish my MLIS, and begin my librarianship career as the PGPL’s Community Engagement Librarian for Adult, I am thrilled to have returned to children’s and family programming. My areas of interest include language and literacy development, sensory environments, and sustainable programming strategies.
We’re excited to see what our brilliant Co-Chairs will come up with for BC SRC 2024!