The Grande Prairie Public Library has found its new leader. Deborah Cryderman will replace Maureen Curry as the library’s new director. Cryderman says she’s excited to bring her years of knowledge and experience to Grande Prairie.
“I’m excited about Grande Prairie… It’s a growing and vibrant town and it’s a young town so it’s a great opportunity to get in with children and help make a difference in their future lives by introducing them to different forms of literacy, not just reading.”
Cryderman says she’s been living and breathing library since 1986. She comes to the city from the Camrose Public Library where she was its director for seven years. She has also volunteered with the Library Association of Alberta and the Alberta Library Conference. Cryderman says she already has some plans for the library but wants to focus on getting to know the area first.
“I think for the first little while I’ll just get my feet under me. Get to meet the staff…and get to know the community a little bit more before we make any big decisions. Then we will make decisions collaboratively with the board and the staff and with what the community wants.”
Cryderman takes over the role from Curry who stepped down from the position on August 31st after five years with the library. Cryderman’s first day at GPPL will be November 19th.