Richmond Hill Public Library CEO to retire on Nov. 30

“Louise’s professionalism and enthusiasm for excellence was evident in everything that she did for the library.”

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 17, 2019
Sheila Wang

Louise Procter Maio, chief executive officer of Richmond Hill Public Library, has announced her retirement effective Nov. 30, after seven years of service.

Procter Maio has played a key role in leading the library board to lay the groundwork for the approval of the new Oak Ridges branch which is expected to open this fall.

“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement,” she says in a press release dated Aug. 30. “As I end my career in public libraries, I would like to thank all the staff, colleagues, boards and supporters with whom I’ve worked over the years and who have shared my passion for the pivotal role libraries play in their community.”

Appointed by board chair David Bishop, Procter Maio began her role at the Richmond Hill library in August 2012 after working for 10 years as a public library CEO in East Gwillimbury and Aurora.

Under her leadership, the library board completed a slew of critical plans which have not only set the tone for the future of the library services but also provided guidance for the ongoing transformation, including the new library branch, the development of an online presence, electronic services, as well as the improvement in staff training and education.

“Like everything else, libraries are impacted by rapid technological change,” Bishop said in the press release. “Louise’s ability to help guide the board through the ongoing evolution of library services and related public expectations has been invaluable.”

Library statistics show that virtual visits have gone up for five consecutive years, from 2014 to 2018, as The Liberal previously reported.

Online users visited the Richmond Hill libraries more than 2.2 million times last year, a 39 per cent rise from 2014.

Meanwhile, there were more than 72,000 people who have registered for a library card in Richmond Hill, about 9,000 people more than five years ago.

The press release also highlighted Procter Maio’s role in helping shape the library’s strategic plan which was adopted in June 2013.
The implementation of the strategic plan “Enriching Your Choices, Connections and Community” has brought major changes in the library’s service delivery model as well as its organization structure.

“Louise’s professionalism and enthusiasm for excellence was evident in everything that she did for the library,” Bishop noted.

The board chair said Procter Maio has demonstrated all the desirable qualities that he was looking for in the position of the CEO, including “courage to do what’s right,” “respect for others,” “a high sense of ethics and integrity,” as well as “a tendency to permeate an organization.”

"I believe the performance of the CEO was outstanding during her seven years of service," Mayor Dave Barrow said in an email on Sept. 10. "She has met everything we have expected of her from the first year to these last years."

The CEO has been front and centre for the past year when the public library board has dealt with challenges from all sides, including delays on the construction of the new library, the funding constraints from council, and changes to the board membership.

Just a month ago, council decided to reshuffle the library board following a letter written by Procter Maio in which she questioned the legitimacy of a council decision to expand the board.

As a result, five board members have been removed and two new citizen members will join the board.

“I am grateful to have been able to work with Louise and thank her for her service. I wish her, and her family, many happy years in retirement,” Bishop said.

The CEO and the board chair won’t make further comments on Procter Maio’s retirement, according to the Richmond Hill Public Library spokesperson, Brock Smith.