Margie Singleton retires after 18 years as CEO of Vaughan Public Libraries

Margie Singleton will retire on Feb. 27 after 18 years as CEO of Vaughan Public Libraries; Lisa McDonough is named to succeed her.

Margie Singleton announced she will retire at the end of the month, with her last day set for Feb. 27. She has served as CEO of Vaughan Public Libraries for 18 years. During her tenure the system expanded its branch network and led local responses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The library has named Deputy CEO Lisa McDonough as Singleton's successor. Key details: - Margie Singleton is retiring after 18 years as CEO, with a final day of Feb. 27. - When Singleton took leadership there were seven branches; the system now has 14 branches. - Vaughan Public Libraries was the first library system in Ontario to offer curbside pickup during the pandemic. - Library staff conducted research during COVID-19 on isolation of returned materials that was later linked to the removal of a provincial isolation requirement. - Singleton began working with Vaughan Public Libraries in January 2000 and originally planned to stay only a few years; she later became CEO. - Lisa McDonough, who joined the library in May 2000 and most recently served as Deputy CEO, Customer Experience, will step into the CEO role. Summary: Singleton's retirement marks the end of an 18-year period of growth and operational changes at Vaughan Public Libraries, including branch expansion and pandemic-era services. Leadership will pass to Lisa McDonough, who is set to continue the organization's stated focus on welcoming public service and intellectual freedom.