A self-described book worm hopes to bring his passion to Vernon’s library.
Mark Christensen recently took on duties as branch head librarian for Okanagan Regional Library.
“I am dangerously in love with the Okanagan,” said Christensen, who moved here from Vancouver.
After a seven-year leadership career in retail and banking, including stints at Target, U.S. Bank, and Royal Bank, Christensen returned to school in 2014 to pursue his masters in library and information sciences.
“I spent years researching this decision, looking at many different careers that would allow me to regularly engage in leadership, public speaking, coaching, developing staff, organization, problem solving and helping people get the information that they need to make the best decisions for their situations,” he said.
“I found all of these opportunities in a career as a librarian.”
Christensen says his view of librarians and libraries as community leaders links with ORL’s vision to provide learning, innovation, creativity and a connected community.
“The Vernon library provides more than just books and entertainment. We also offer access to knowledgeable information professionals, diverse programs and digital resources,” he said.
One of Christensen’s aims for the Vernon branch is to build on outreach efforts to bring the library’s resources beyond its physical walls.
“We get outside to attend meetings around community safety, take our programs and resources to schools, parks and even the farmers market,” he said.