Amanda
Dyke
Barrie Public Library
Amanda Dyke is the Culture Development Officer for the City of Barrie. She brings to the role over 16 years of public service experience, supporting artists, organizations and residents. With a strong passion for bringing people together through the arts, Amanda has gained an appreciation for the importance of community development and relationship building that has fostered her interest in cultural development. In past lives, Amanda was a community events planner and the host of a punk radio show. She credits these experiences with building her large community network and keeping her connected to the things she loves. When she’s not out hosting or experiencing cultural events and attractions, you can find her at home with one or two cats on her lap and a good book from the Barrie Public Library in hand.
Amanda is representing…
Cathy
Marengeur
New Tecumseth Public Library
Cathy has lived in New Tecumseth for 28 years. She has worked within the community for the past 9 years, currently as an Outreach Peer supporter with the Krasman Centre, a nonprofit organization that supports all members of our community including but not limited to people with mental health and addictions, housing challenges and low income. Cathy is passionate about her volunteer work, nature walks, upcycling home décor, thrifting, travelling whenever possible and camping in her small trailer.
Cathy is representing …
Nahanni
Born
Midland Public Library
Bringing a wealth of culture, history, and passion for storytelling to Simcoe Reads, Nahanni Born has dedicated the last 20 years to preserving and sharing local heritage as the Executive Director of the Huronia Museum. An alumnus of the University of Vienna, she currently calls Port McNicoll home, where she can often be found enjoying the area with her two beloved dogs. She has a knack for marshalling corvids and is an authority on all things Gojira. She’s a proud member of Wasauksing First Nation, bringing a deep connection to community and history to this year’s panel.
Nahanni is representing …
Jo-Hellen
Berner
Ramara Public Library
Jo-Hellen, a newly retired Ramara Library employee of over 30 years, enjoys reading, travelling, cooking and spending time with her family – including 5 grandsons – and dogs. Prior to finding her dream job with The Ramara Township Public Library, she was employed with the Ontario Library Services for nearly 10 years. Jo-Hellen has dedicated her career to promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement. Her work has included library services, program development, and supporting patrons of all ages with a passion for accessible information and education.
Jo-Hellen is representing …
Natasha
Philpott
Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library
Natasha Philpott is a proud Bradford resident of 14 years, devoted boy mom, self-proclaimed Barbie girl, and avid reader who is rarely seen without a book in hand. By day, she works in marketing and communications, and in her spare time she hosts the local Bradford Banter podcast and writes a column for BradfordToday, sharing stories that spotlight the people, businesses, and events that make the community special.
Natasha is representing …
Rosemary
Hartley
Severn Township Public Library
Rosemary Hartley is a lifelong super-reader and dedicated advocate for the importance and joy of reading. Her career with the Simcoe County District School Board as an elementary teacher allowed her to ignite a passion for reading in hundreds of young people. This is a mission she continued at Lakehead Orillia, by mentoring the next generation of teacher candidates in language arts. Rosemary has been a library volunteer and supporter for many years. Whether guiding a classroom of students, instructing future educators, supporting her local library, or snuggling up and reading a picture book with family, Rosemary believes in the transformative power of a great book.
Rosemary is representing …
Danielle
Gibson
Essa Public Library
Danielle Gibson is a busy mom of four, an avid reader and a collector of crafty hobbies. A lifelong lover of books, she enjoys thrillers, classics, domestic dramas and believes in the power of celebrity memoirs.
Danielle enjoys the Simcoe Reads competition because it invites readers to experience new and established Canadian authors and perhaps read outside their favourite genres. She is excited to champion the remarkable debut novel Small Ceremonies by Kyle Edwards, a novel about…
Paula
Murphy
Innisfil ideaLAB & Library
Paula is a retired educator who enjoys travel, outdoor pursuits, volunteering and working out at the YMCA in her lovely spare time! She greatly appreciates the Innisfil IdeaLAB and Library staff for the wonderful book clubs, author talks and the endless supply of engaging books for her to enjoy.
Paula is representing …