Library names new manager

There's a new face at the helm of the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre.

Sara Kepper is the new manager and is no stranger to the workplace or her colleagues.

“I was a clerk here for three years and I volunteered for one year prior to that,” said Kepper. “I became manager the first week of September.”

Kepper, 37, stepped up to fill the position after former manager Matt Barabash left earlier this year. It was a role well suited to the library clerk for both the experience she brings to the job and her continuing education and studies.

“I'm going to university as well and I'm completing my undergraduate degree with the goal of doing my master's in library science,” said Kepper, noting she's been a part of the Innisfail community for five years and with the library for four.

Just one month in and Kepper is already enjoying her new position. Her colleagues have helped make the transition from clerk to manager an easy one.

“I love it. I really enjoy my job,” she said. “The staff is awesome. It makes it really easy to step into a role when you have fabulous staff.”

As new manager Kepper wants to continue providing a variety of resources and services to the Innisfail community and perhaps bring some fresh, new ideas to help Innisfail residents and families.

“I think we've done a really good job. Our programmers brought in some fabulous programs,” said Kepper, noting children's, youth and adult programs continue to develop. “I want to get some more input and feedback from the town as to what they would like to see here as well.

“We're here to serve the public. I want to try a bunch of new things and see what works and what doesn't,” she added.

For Kepper, there is one thing that stands out in what she does.

“I really like the people who come in and being able to help them out with whatever they need,” she said, noting some of the services available at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre such as books, magazines, programs and Internet service.

“You don't need a library membership to use our Internet service. It's free for anyone,” said Kepper. “I think we're still fundamental to early childhood programs but also for youth and teens. Literacy is so important (at any age).”