Library Board
St. Albert Public Library is governed by a Board of seven volunteer trustees. Trustees are appointed by City Council for a 3-year term, with a 2 term maximum. The Board governs the Library under the authority of the Alberta Libraries Act.
The Board meets at 7:00 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month from September through June. Board meetings are open to the public. Anyone wishing to attend an upcoming board meeting can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to attend the meeting.
For more information, please contact Peter Bailey, CEO, St. Albert Public Library at 780-459-1681 or pbailey [@] sapl.ca
Library Board Members 2023
Colleen McClure
Co-chair. Colleen has lived in St. Albert with her family since 1993 and is honored to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of St Albert as a member of the Library Board. In 2016 Colleen retired from full-time employment as an Associate Superintendent of Schools and is currently employed part-time as a consultant, tutor and academic coordinator. She believes public libraries play a major role in democratic societies in fostering literacy, providing universal access to knowledge and information and nurturing lifelong learning. Colleen is keen to work in collaboration with others to support the St. Albert Public Library as a welcoming, dynamic place of discovery and engagement for all community members and visitors.
Meagan Dechaine
Meagan moved to St. Albert in 2019. She and her family love attending the library to read together and to access the children's reading programs with her elementary school aged kids. Meagan currently works with the YMCA of Northern Alberta as a human resource professional. An avid volunteer, she has spent many hours volunteering for the Edmonton Public Library and is excited to have the opportunity to contribute to her community by serving on the Library Board.
Donna Kawahara
Donna (Dawn) has lived in St. Albert since 2007. She is a Registered Dental Hygienist for Alberta Health Services, has a Master Degree in Health Leadership, and is currently completing a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology. Donna is a single parent who values the library and all it offers. Currently she is vice-president of Outloud St. Albert, volunteer photographer for Zoe’s Animal Rescue, and has a long history of community volunteering.
Julie Mann-Johnson
Julie Mann-Johnson is the Director for Field Education at the Faculty of Social Work with the University of Calgary. She has been a social worker for 25 years and has enjoyed living in St. Albert since 2005. Julie is particularly interested in how libraries become spaces where community comes together in various stages of life. She, her husband, and young adult daughters have enjoyed St. Albert Public Library in various and evolving ways over the years.
Deborah McTaggart-Baird
Co-chair. Deborah moved to St. Albert with her family in 2004 and the library was one of her first visits. She retired in 2020 as Manager, Volunteer Resources at the Cross Cancer Institute, which included operation of the Patient and Family Resource Centre. Deborah is passionate about the role libraries play in empowering people from all walks of life, and believes they are fundamental in building strong communities. She feels fortunate to serve on the Library Board to support the role of this important community hub.
Jennifer Freitas
Jennifer moved to St. Albert in 2021. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant and works in Internal Audit. Jennifer is passionate about giving back and is excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the St. Albert community by serving on the Library Board. Her gregarious personality and authentic passion translate into being a catalyst to inspire others, generate excitement and enthusiasm, take on challenges, and create momentum for new ideas. From Jennifer’s perspective, the library provides a pivotal role in the community with resources to support literacy and education as well as develop passion, creativity, and innovation for all individuals at any age.
Emma Frontana
Emma has been living in St. Albert since 2021. She has a masters degree in Electrical Engineering and works in Processes and Performance improvement. She believes that libraries play a fundamental role in our society, promoting literacy, inspiring and helping shape new ideas, and empowering all the members of our communities. She is honored to have the opportunity of being a member of the Library Board and supporting her community.
