{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/66f99f2b57b1d9bb19ab3ee2/6973c902f4b515342ea89eb2?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Dan Atkins & Michelle Campbell – Guelph Public Library – Beyond Books","description":"<h3><strong>Episode Description:</strong></h3><p>In part two of our three-part series with the Guelph Public Library, we sit down with <strong>Dan Atkins</strong>, CEO, and <strong>Michelle Campbell</strong>, Deputy CEO, to explore the deeper public value that libraries bring to our community.</p><p>Together, we discuss their paths into library leadership, the challenges and opportunities they’ve encountered, and how the Guelph Public Library continues to evolve. From the launch of their new strategic plan to the vision behind the soon-to-be-built Central Library, Dan and Michelle reflect on what it means to serve a diverse and growing city like Guelph.</p><p>We cover:</p><ul><li>How the library decides where to invest time and energy</li><li>Innovative ways the library is expanding what it offers to the public</li><li>Why access and belonging remain central to their mission</li><li>How libraries balance being inclusive spaces while meeting public expectations</li><li>Their hopes for the future of the library and its role in community building</li></ul><p>This episode highlights the leadership behind one of Guelph’s most vital institutions and how libraries continue to shape the social and civic fabric of our city.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Relevant Links:</strong></h3><ul><li>Guelph Public Library – About Us - <a href=\"https://www.guelphpl.ca/en/about-us/about-us.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.guelphpl.ca/en/about-us/about-us.aspx</a></li><li>Guelph Public Library Strategic Plan 2025–2028 – From Barriers to Bridges: - <a href=\"https://www.guelphpl.ca/en/about-us/strategic-plan.aspx\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.guelphpl.ca/en/about-us/strategic-plan.aspx</a></li><li>Guelph Central Library Project (via City of Guelph) - <a href=\"https://guelph.ca/city-hall/planning-and-development/city-building-projects/baker-district/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://guelph.ca/city-hall/planning-and-development/city-building-projects/baker-district/</a></li><li>Recent news article on Dan Atkins, new CEO: - <a href=\"https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/familiar-face-is-the-new-new-ceo-of-guelph-public-library-9877362\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/familiar-face-is-the-new-new-ceo-of-guelph-public-library-9877362</a></li></ul><p><br></p>","author_name":"Growing Guelph"}