Library Board
Interested in becoming a Board Member?
If you are interested in joining the Library Board we encourage you to have a look at this description of the role and responsibilities of Library Board Trustees.
https://www.bclta.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/BCLTA-Quick-Guide.2021.01.08.pdf.
Let us know if you have any questions by emailing libraryboard@trail.ca or, drop into the Library and have a quick chat with our Library Director, Samantha Murphy.
The Trail & District Public Library is directed by a volunteer Board appointed by the Trail City Council.
What’s the library Board up to?
There’s three ways to find out:
Ask a Board member:
In person orRead the minutes of our meetings
Attend a meeting
Our board meetings are open to the public. We unusually meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month beginning at 3 pm, at the Library. You are welcome to join us either as an observer or to present a particular issue for the Board to consider. If you would like to attend a meeting as an observer please contact us no later than the Monday before the scheduled meeting. If there is an issue that you would like to bring to the Board’s attention please contact us a week before the scheduled meeting and let us know the subject matter that you would like to speak to.
- Jeff Jones - Board Chair
- Mark Wilson - Vice Chair
- Catherine McCormick
- Janet Bodnarchuk
- Betty Anne Marino
- Diana Gonzalez
- Meenakshy Balaraju
Jeff Jones- Board Chair
Jeff moved to the West Kootenays in 2010, and settled in Trail in 2017. He has served on the Trail and District Library Board since January of 2018, and was acclaimed as Chair in November, 2018. The majority of his childhood and youth was spent in Red Deer, Alberta. At the University of Calgary, Jeff completed a B.Ed with a focus on Children’s Theatre and Developmental Drama, and an M.A. with a focus on Organizational Development and Leadership.
In 2017 Jeff retired from his role as Superintendent of Schools, after a 31 year career in Public Education which included teaching elementary school, instruction and supervision in the teacher education program at the University of Calgary, school-based administration and various district leadership roles. Since retirement from Public Education Jeff has dabbled in the world of retail, and presently is working in office administration in the construction sector.
Over the past several years Jeff has served at different times on the British Columbia Teachers’ Council, the BC Disciplinary and Professional Conduct Board, the British Columbia School Superintendents’ Association, and as a Director with the Calgary Police Youth Interpretive Centre with the Calgary Police.
Jeff believes the Library is a cornerstone of our community as a safe, welcoming place for all; a gateway to the past, present and future. He understands that the Library must be responsive to the changing needs of the communities we serve, and therefore must be forward thinking, dynamic and current.
Mark Wilson - Vice Chair
I have lived in the Trail community most of my life - with my family of 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren.
I taught at the local high school for 35 years - then worked as a Realtor for 12 years - and currently am busy with Real Estate investment and management.
I look forward to give back to my community. I am now a Library representative for the City of Trail along with being a local school district Trustee.
Catherine McCormick
I am Catherine McCormick and I moved to the Kootenays in 2006 from SK. At that time I resided in Kaslo and worked on the Kaslo & District Public Library Board for 8 years from 2007 - 2015 and as Board Chair for 2 years. After purchasing a home in Trail in 2017 I thought it was time to get back into library work and I am pleased to have been appointed to the Board.
Reading, gardening, playing bridge, and knitting are passions of mine and I enjoy most outdoor pursuits, particularly hiking and biking.
Janet Bodnarchuk
My name is Janet Bodnarchuk. I have been a resident of Trail on and off since 1993. I grew up in Prince Edward Island and headed west to Fort McMurray in 1981, where I met my husband, who was eventually transferred to Trail with the RCMP. I worked with the City of Trail (RCMP Detachment) for 14 years and recently retired. We love this area and decided to make it our retirement home. I wanted to give back to the city that has given so much to us over the past 25 years and applied to be a library board member. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful facility in our midst, run by a dedicated staff.
Betty Anne Marino
Betty Anne brings a wealth of diverse experiences to the role of Director Trail & District Public Library. As a skilled facilitator and adept communicator, Betty Anne fosters forward momentum through self-awareness and relationship-building. Her expertise as an Executive Coach has empowered individuals and organizations to achieve clarity and take action.
Throughout her career, Betty Anne has demonstrated leadership across a wide range of community engagement, healthcare, corporate and volunteer sector projects. She has a proven track record of successfully implementing major fundraising campaigns and spearheading various community-enhancing endeavors.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Betty Anne is deeply committed to community service, having volunteered extensively throughout her life. From mentoring youth at risk to leading large-scale community recreation projects and contributing to community vision and revitalization efforts, she is driven by a fundamental desire to serve others.
Betty Anne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Sociology from Washington State University, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching from Royal Roads University. She lives in Warfield with her husband Frank and has three grown children.
Diana Gonzalez
Diana has dedicated her professional career to the field of social sciences, primarily focusing on crisis intervention, investigation, and providing emotional support while fostering engagement and psychological safety. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Simon Fraser. Diana has worked for the Greater Trail Hospice Palliative Care Program, B.C Coroners Services (Coroner for the West Kootenay Area) and currently at the Salmo RCMP detachment, providing Victim Services.
Diana grew up in Mexico and has been a proud resident of the Greater Trail area for over thirty three years. She has keen interest in volunteering for various community-organized sports, schools and provincial initiatives, particularly during natural disasters.
As a library board member Diana looks forward to fostering and promoting knowledge, engagement, dialogue, partnership and advocacy that will reflect the community needs.