The Prince George Public Library has been without a manager of communications and engagement for nine months.
Larissa Clotildes has stepped up to fill the role temporarily until June 16
With 14 years of experience at the library and a position as the previous program director, she is very well suited for the task. As well she has also served as the community engagement library for both youth and adults.
“I'm coming from a background in programming, which is where I've had most of my greatest experiences so far," said Clotildes. "Community engagement includes running our in-library program, bringing people into the library, doing celebrations, and our regular programs like story time and technology help. They also make sure that we are getting out into the community as often as we can. We usually see a lot of that happening in the summer months with all of the wonderful festivities going on around town.”
Clotildes is looking forward to addressing some of the unique “landscapes of opportunity” that come from directing community engagement. She stated that she wants to let more people know that the library is a space for everyone, regardless of background.
As well, one of her goals is to help engage people who may not be using the library services in the first place and help them feel welcome.
Services offered by the library include but aren't limited to
- Printing
- Faxing
- Scanning
- Public wi-fi
- Access to E-books
- Access to online databases
- Access to free online courses
Regarding community engagement, Clotildes and the library have many plans and events for the near future.
“We've got some fabulous ones coming up in January and February," said Clotildes.“On Feb. 1, we have the Lunar New Year celebration. This is a partnership with the Speak Write Academy. We will be having celebrations at our downtown location on the afternoon of Feb. 1. Then the following Saturday the 8th, we have a wonderful partnership with Coldsnap Music Festival. They will be bringing in Ginalina, on the morning of the 8th at 10:30 to perform. It's a free children's performance and anyone can come. Then the next Saturday, after that, the 15th, is our Celebrate Black History Month event as well. So, February has a very chock-full lineup of big events on those Saturdays. So, it would be great for people to drop by on a Saturday and just see what's going on because there will be plenty.”
In addition to over a decade of experience, Clotildes also has a passion for PG and the local community which she wants to share with everyone that steps through the doors.
“I lived in Prince George my whole life.” Clotildes illustrates “I'm a UNBC graduate. I got my MLIS from the University of Alberta in 2021 and I'm excited to be in Prince George. I love this community so much. I can never imagine myself being anywhere else. This is my home and so I just really love that I can continue to grow and serve this community in new ways.”
