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New branch manager for M.L. Library
A new chapter is about to unfold in the life of Meadow Lake resident Kyle Wilcox. Tuesday (Aug. 4) marked Wilcox’s first day as the new branch manager of the Meadow Lake Library. A member of the community for the past four years, Wilcox takes over the role from former manager Audrey Marsh who retired earlier this year. “I had been working at the Meadow Lake Co-op the past few months, but was looking for something more,” Wilcox told Northern Pride. “I wanted something more to set in stone. I live here and I want to stay here, I want to put roots down here. The position popped up on a job board and I happen to know Audrey, so I asked her about the job. She recommended what she knows of me would be a good fit and encouraged me to apply.”
Wilcox did just that and, after the interview process, he said he grew very excited about the prospect of earning the position. “I have been accepted and I am taking the position,” he added. “I believe this will be a fantastic avenue for me to branch into and to become a bigger part of the community.” Wilcox’s background is in medical simulation, something he gained while doing schooling for his master’s in computer science. “I kind of took a breather from that and did some game development, some educational stuff and I have always been an academic,” he noted. “This will allow me the opportunity to manage a library and incorporate more when it comes to the technological side of things.” New branch manager for M.L. Library
However, Wilcox said his primary goal is to keep the library the success it’s always been. “There’s always the potential to bring in new programs, while there are some apps I would like to see used more in terms of making books more accessible for people,” he said. “For now, though, it will be about maintaining the status quo the library has always had.” Wilcox is originally from Guelph, ON. “I’ve been to the library quite a bit since moving here,” he said. “I’ve used its services and taken part in some of the community activities they’ve hosted there.” He also said libraries play a key role in any community. “In terms of the modern age, not everyone has access to the things that come along with it,” Wilcox stated. “A library is a great hub for free access to books they may not be able to find, to discover things, computers or to meet like-minded people. We have programs that bring people of different cultures and experiences together to focus in on certain activities that bolster community and overall friendship.” In closing, Wilcox said he is extremely excited for this new opportunity. “I hope I can keep the library running as it has been, and to bring it to being something even more fantastic,” he said.