Brendan Cummins
Brendan was born in Lethbridge and grew up in small towns throughout central and southern Alberta. After spending many years away, he returned for good about 17 years ago. After completing his Bachelor and Master of Arts at the University of Lethbridge, he is now an instructor in the School of Liberal Education at the University.
Brendan believes that the Lethbridge Public Library, as a central hub for learning, gathering, and sharing, is an invaluable part of a strong, vibrant community. He also recognizes the importance of the Library’s physical and digital collections to scholars and researchers across southern Alberta. Brendan served on the Lethbridge Public Library Board three years ago and is happy and excited to be back.
In his spare time Brendan is a lover of almost all things geek, especially as a collector and consumer of comic books. He thinks there is nothing better than spending time with his wife Jeanie reading on the couch or backyard or going for a walk around one of Lethbridge’s amazing hidden trails.
Daphne Hendsbee
Daphne was born in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. Since graduating from Queen's University in 2013 with a degree in Global Development, her career in the nonprofit sector has included communications and marketing, fundraising, and donor relations in Canada and abroad. Particular areas of interest include community development, public health, and performing arts. Daphne is thrilled to bring these skills to her service with the Library Board.
Daphne moved to Lethbridge in 2018 and is happy to call Southern Alberta home. She and her young family are avid readers and can often be found at LPL book clubs or exploring the Toy Library. This is Daphne's first time serving as a Board member. She looks forward to contributing to the Library's mission and promoting it as an anchor institution in our community.
Terrence Lazarus
Terrence was born in Zimbabwe and moved to South Africa to complete his high school. Terrence graduated from a Civil Engineering Technology 4 year program in Durban, South Africa. Since he graduated, he has worked in South African and Malawi. In Malawi, he started his career with water management by construction of a canal system that supported a large sugar cane processing plant. Terrence emigrated to Canada in 1982 and commenced work as a construction inspector for the Government of Alberta overseeing the reconstruction of the Lethbridge Northern Main Canal. Through a succession of promotions, Terrence was in charge of the operations and maintenance of the Oldman River Dam, even during the devastating flood of 1985. He retired from the Government of Alberta as the Operations Manager for Southern Alberta, was employed as the General Manager of the St. Mary River Irrigation District, and now is fully retired from full time employment. Terrence is a life long library user starting when he was 10 years old and is an avid user of the library, predominantly using the fabulous online services to read books and then magazines and newspapers from around the globe and even hone up on his rudimentary Spanish. Terrence’s interests are photography, particularly landscape and wildlife photography. He has amalgamated his love of scuba diving with photography and whenever the opportunity arises, you will find him, joined by his spouse Susanne and son Devin, in some warm water location with his underwater photography equipment.
Yudith Ramos
Yudith was born in Havana, Cuba, moved to Lethbridge in 2007 and made Canada her new home. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and a sweet cat in West Lethbridge. In 2008, Yudith was a Read On student. She did not speak English when she moved to Canada, and she experienced different challenges, but recognized Read On as an excellent experience for her Canadian journey. As an educated, professional immigrant, Yudith understands the importance of diversity, equality, and inclusion in the workplace. She is an HR consultant with a focus on Immigration, has a Bachelor of Law Degree background from University of Havana, Cuba, and a Human Resources & Labour Relations Certificate from the University of Lethbridge. She has also worked as a volunteer in different organizations such as Family Centre, and Lethbridge Immigrant Services helping women, internationally educated and professional immigrants, temporary foreign workers, international students, and other newcomers integrated into Canadian culture. Her experience working in Southern Alberta inspired her to support new Canadians to overcome some barriers in Canada. Yudith is passionate about everything related to labour and immigration and helping others to settle in Canada. She is also passionately enjoys nature with her family, including camping, swimming, and cycling. Yudith likes to read bestsellers and is part of the Toastmaster Club. One of her favourite places in the city is the Library. One of Yudith’s goals is to make a meaningful contribution as a Library Board member with her expertise and cooperate to achieve the Library’s vision. She is excited for her new chapter and the opportunity.
Norma Quaroni
Norma is a lawyer for the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service.
Norma loves libraries. She was raised on a farm in rural Saskatchewan and has always loved libraries. Books always hold an adventure or an answer. Norma still loves books and enjoys discussing new ideas, and re-reading old favourites. Harry Potter sits on her shelf next to “The Help”, “Team of Rivals” and The Economist.
Norma believes in equity and inclusion and the important role of libraries in granting access to information and creating community spaces.
It is an honour and privilege to serve on the Library Board.
James Chymboryk
James was born and raised in Southern Alberta. After graduating from Simon Fraser University (Burnaby, B.C) with a degree in Criminology, he returned to Lethbridge and started his career with Alberta Community Corrections as a Probation Officer and has worked for them for 36 years. During that time, due to transfers, he has lived in different communities in southern Alberta. Moving back to Lethbridge in 2004.
James and his wife have 2 adult children and currently 2 grandchildren.
James had previously served as a board member on 2 different community library boards and appreciates this opportunity to support the Lethbridge Public Library and promote all the programs they offer.
Craig Brown
Craig recently retired after more than 35 years of experience leading organizations primarily in the not-for-profit sector, including serving as President of a regional college; CEO of the Cayman Health System; helping the University of Calgary set up a nursing campus in the Middle East; to Vice President at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. He has extensive experience with Board governance, having served on a multitude of Boards and has worked extensively under Boards his whole career. Craig and his wife Gloria returned to Lethbridge to be near their son and his family. They had lived here previously when Craig was CEO of the local Children’s Authority and came to love the City and appreciate all that it offers. During his previous time in Lethbridge Craig served as Vice-Chair of the Library Board and is pleased to be able to contribute again.
Angela Viola
Angela was born and raised in Calgary and moved to Lethbridge in the Fall of 1999 to complete her Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education programs. After completing her undergraduate education, she taught in and around Lethbridge until the birth of her second son. Angela has worked at Lethbridge College in curriculum and instructional design and; currently, teaches high school online. She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology and hopes to continue to contribute to quality online education in Alberta.
Growing up in Calgary, the Bookmobile is one of her fondest childhood memories. Angela and her two boys enjoyed the Lethbridge Public Library programming and services as a young family. They are all avid readers and still enjoy the library together. They also enjoy many outdoor pursuits including camping, downhill skiing and hiking.
