Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees
The Barrie Public Library is governed under the Provincial Public Libraries Act by a nine member board appointed for four years by City Council. The Board is made up of seven citizen members and two City Councillors.
The Board's role is to:
- provide overall policy direction in order to position the library as a community partner
- advocate on behalf of the community for adequate funding to deliver library services
- ensure that good management practices are followed
Austin Mitchell
Trustee
Austin Mitchell
Austin was appointed to the Board of Trustees in early 2016. As a resident of Barrie since 2009, he has been a regular patron of the library, a tradition he shares with his family. He has wanted to give back to the community in an active way for several years, and the Library, a service he regularly enjoys, was where he wanted to focus his contributions. Austin looks forward to ensuring the community’s library needs are met for many years to come.
Using the extensive knowledge he has gained relating to Not for Profit and Municipal organizations during his career, Austin will help ensure the library excels as its community continues to grow.
Austin can be reached at austin.mitchell@barrielibrary.ca
Michael Sauro
Trustee
Michael was born in London, Ontario and attended the University of Western Ontario earning a double Honours degree in Political Science & History. He worked in Leadership Development and Transitional services for the University focusing on students entering their first year of post-secondary. Michaels' post-graduate studies were in the field of Human Resources and he continued his career working in labour relations and human resources roles.
Michael has been a resident of Barrie since 2007 and is thankful for the opportunity to serve the City on the Board of Trustees.
Michael can be reached at michael.sauro@barrielibrary.ca
Amy Courser
Councillor Representative
Nigussie Nigussie
Councillor Representative
Robin Munro
Trustee
Robin Munro is a musician and the founder of the Barrie Jazz and Blues Festival. In addition to his position on the Barrie Public Library Board, Robin is currently the chair of an Advisory Committee for Georgian College and sits on the guild for the Sibbald Point Provincial Park museum. Robin is also a member or chair of several committees and boards of directors in Simcoe County, and Committees of Council for the City of Barrie.
Robin can be reached at robin.munro@barrielibrary.ca
George Hawtin
Trustee
George Hawtin is a law librarian with the Simcoe County Law Association. His background in library leadership also includes a term as chair of the Ajax Public Library Board, and experience as director of a small city's library, as well as frontline service in public, special, and academic library settings. A Certified Human Resources Professional who has studied library boards at the doctoral level, George is an avid user of the Barrie Public Library, and is passionate about using his expertise in governance to support the library's leadership team. As someone living with cerebral palsy, George is excited to bring his knowledge of accessibility practices and principles to the board table.
George can be contacted at george.hawtin@barrielibrary.ca
John Bicknell
Trustee
John Bicknell has over 40 years’ experience in the computer industry in both the UK and Canada, primarily in Sales, Marketing and Software Development. Since retiring he has spent 14 years as President of the Sandycove Acres Home Owners’ Association. Sandycove Acres is a Senior’s community with 1800+ residents.
John can be contacted at john.bicknell@barrielibrary.ca
Merrisa Little
Trustee
Merrisa Little is the CEO of a specialized mental health clinic, OCD North. As a life-long resident of Barrie, Merrisa uses her social work background to treat complex mental health. She also acts as a mentor to social work internship students from a variety of universities. Merrisa connected with the Barrie Public Library because she understands the importance of access to education and literacy in a thriving community like Barrie.
Merissa can be contacted at merissa.little@barrielibrary.ca
Scott Herman
Trustee
Scott, a Barrie resident since 1998, holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. After retiring from a career in human resources management in 2020, he turned his focus to community service. Scott serves on the City of Barrie Arts Advisory Committee, the Bryn Hamilton Ward 10 Citizen Advisory Committee, and actively supports the Women and Children's Shelter of Barrie through Walk a Mile in Her Shoes charity fundraiser. He's a member of the Bravado Show Choir, a passionate cyclist, avid reader, and is dedicated to enhancing library resources for the citizens of Barrie as a Trustee.