Melissa Redden is the new CEO/director of the Peterborough Public Library.
On Tuesday (November 11), the library’s board of directors and the City of Peterborough announced the appointment of Redden to lead the library, which has been without a permanent CEO since Jennifer Jones suddenly and unexpectedly left the role in June.
Jones, who had worked at the library for 10 years as chief librarian and then as CEO, had been leading a controversial staffing reorganization that the city paused on the same day that she left the role.
As for Redden, she is currently the manager of public service at the Ajax Public Library, where she is part of the senior leadership team supporting the chief librarian and executive officer. In that role, she oversees customer service, programming, community outreach, safety, and operations.
“We’re delighted to welcome Melissa to the Peterborough Public Library,” says Laurianne Gruzas of the Peterborough Public Library board in a media release. “Her depth of experience and commitment to community-focused service make her an excellent choice to lead the library into its next chapter.”
Prior to joining the Ajax Public Library, Redden held a variety of leadership positions with the Clarington Public Library, Museums & Archives in Bowmanville, including public service manager, collections coordinator, and deputy director.
Redden has a Master of Information, Library and Information Science from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Brock University,
“I am honoured to be joining the Peterborough Public Library as the new CEO/director,” Redden says. “Libraries are vital community spaces that inspire discovery, connection, and lifelong learning. I look forward to working with our team and partners to continue building a vibrant and inclusive library for everyone.”
Redden will begin her new role at the Peterborough Public Library on Monday, November 24.
