Public Services Librarian

School of Arctic and Subarctic Studies

Sarah Papple, MLIS (Settler, she/her), serves as the Labrador Campus Public Services Librarian, actively contributing to the democratization of information. Her efforts focus on opening up access to knowledge and fostering inclusivity within the library space. Sarah is dedicated to transforming library services by creating multiple access points, celebrating and building local cultural knowledge, and supporting inter-generational relationships through land-based programs.

In addition to her role, Sarah brings nearly 20 years of comprehensive experience in public libraries in Southern Ontario, where she has worked in various capacities, notably as a transformative leader in Children, Youth, and Family Services. Her commitment to the freedom of information and individuals' storytelling rights is evident through her active involvement in the OLA Children and Youth Committee and family advocacy committees. Before her library career, Sarah excelled as a print reporter, earning awards and a swift promotion to columnist in Vancouver.

Sarah's passion extends beyond her current position as she actively contributes to broader decolonization efforts within library services. She is deeply interested in integrating traditional indexing methods into contemporary library systems. Her work encompasses supporting early literacy, facilitating access for newcomers, and fostering collaborative relationships with community partners to offer reflective services.

Having recently arrived in Labrador, Sarah brings a passion for the land, expressed through art, food, and a love for exploring nature's surprises along winding pathways. Notably, her transformative leadership at the Orillia Public Library highlights her ability to innovate programs, collections, and staffing models, resulting in increased membership and a heightened commitment to fostering inclusivity.

Email: spapple@mun.ca