KERRI ROBINSON: In The Company Of Books
BY CHARLOTTE O’DEA

Walking into the new Collingwood Public Library is like stepping into a world of light and space where there is room for your spirit to soar. This is what Kerri Robinson had in mind. With pride in her voice, the Director of Library Services explains, “We wanted the ‘wow’ factor to be there, to mark the threshold where our heritage connects with the future.” The lighthearted mood, the touches of art and colour, the welcoming warmth, the easy mix of modern and traditional –these qualities find their reflection in Kerri Robinson’s own personality.

A consummate and dedicated professional, Kerri has been at the helm of the Collingwood Library for the past 19 years. When talking with her, it doesn’t take long to uncover the passion that drives her—a love of books and an abiding belief in the power of the free public library.

She is keenly aware of the pivotal role of the library in a community. “The social obligation runs deeper than the books that are on the shelves. When the economy In the Company of Books BY CHARLOTTE O’DEA is bad, for example, how can the library help the community? We choose our newspaper subscriptions with an eye to the ones that carry classified ads for jobs; we offer space for courses on job retraining or for economic organizations; we provide access to new search technology”.

Surrounded by millions of words and an overload of information, she sees herself as an enabler, connecting people with the information they are looking for. “I believe that knowledge is power, in the sense that knowledgeable people are empowered.”

Her interest in library science dates from way back to Mr. Taylor, her grade six teacher. A visionary in computer knowledge, he showed her a future world where technology would provide people with instantaneous access to information. It is a vision which has sustained her throughout her career and which has been embraced by the new library, where computers sit comfortably among the rows of books.

The building project is finally winding down and Kerri speaks with humour about her role. “My grandfather used to say, ‘There are work horses and show horses’ and I’m a work horse. I’m happy just to get the job done”. It has been a stimulating learning curve which has taken her out of her comfort zone. She gives kudos to the fine people she works with and the generosity of the community in supporting the new library.

Has it all been stressful? She smiles. “I go to a boxing gym regularly. I wish I had found it earlier.”

As for the future, Kerri’s face lights up at the thought of having time to pursue her own interests. There are books to read, a motorcycle license to get, perhaps a PhD to pursue, places to see, new hobbies to take up. “I would like to find something meaningful on a different level, perhaps spiritual also.” An avid sailor, she may, like Max in one of her favourite books, “sail off through night and day and in and out of weeks… to where the wild things are”.