Farewell and Welcome Back
September is a month of change for many of us, and this year brings a time of change for the Co-op. We would like to thank our Interim Executive Director Sarah Felkar for her leadership and dedication over the past year. Sarah has guided the co-op through important achievements, including our AGM 2025 election, and the launch of our new strategic plan. As she returns to her role at West Vancouver Memorial Library, we are so thankful for her contributions this past year and we look forward to her ongoing connection with the Co-op.
A message from Sarah Felkar:
“I want to thank everyone for their trust and support over the past year. It has been a wonderful experience getting to work with the Cooperative’s staff and members.
There are so many highlights in the work that has happened this past year, from the migration to the cloud, the successful Equitable Access to Reading Program Federal Grant for NNELS, the feature-rich update to Sitka Evergreen this spring, and to the way that Consortia Manager is already making licensing tasks easier. Of course, getting to see the new Strategic Plan launched was especially fun – so many people contributed to this guiding document, and I’m so excited to see where the Co-op ends up in three years.
It was especially wonderful to get to meet so many co-op members at the BC Library Conference and the Beyond Hope Library Conference and hear about how co-op staff have helped them over the years through excellent training and support.
I’ll be returning to my role at West Van with a deeper understanding of the value that the Co-op brings to members and a renewed commitment to the cooperative and library values that the BC Libraries Cooperative exemplifies.”
– Sarah Felkar
We are pleased to welcome back Kevin Millsip, returning to his role as Executive Director. With fresh energy and a clear vision, he is excited to step back into his work with the Co-op and to reconnect with our members and partners.
A message from Kevin Millsip:
“Hi folks! My past year was a full one supporting other non-profits as they worked through some organizational transitions. I’m excited to be back with the lovely board and staff team at the Co-op, and to pick up from Sarah’s great work this past year. With our new Strategic Plan, our upcoming work on values, the launch of Consortia Manager, the Palace Project and so much more at the Co-op, I see a full year ahead for our team.
Over the past year, the world has become a much more chaotic and less safe place for many people. I think a lot of us are seeking places of community and connection, and spaces that are an expression of collective care. As I dig back into the co-op’s work, I’m reminded that what we do here helps support you—our member organizations—in being those places of community and belonging that are so deeply needed right now. This understanding gives our work a deep sense of meaning and purpose.
My thanks to all of you for the essential work that you do, in service to your communities through these troubled times.”
– Kevin Millsip