Below are members of our community that love our libraries! We invite you to read more about these individuals and why York Libraries hold a special place in their heart (and perhaps some suggestions for your next read!).
Joseph Hafner
Joseph was appointed Dean of York libraries this year, coming to York from McGill. Joseph is passionate about how libraries support our students' learning and research. At York, we strive to ensure they have access to a world of information and provide the tools and spaces they need for success.
Most Recent Read: Over the holiday break, I read "When We Rise" by Cleve Jones, whom I heard speak at the ROM's AIDS Quilt exhibition. Jones, co-founder of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and creator of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, has a fascinating story as a labor activist and was portrayed in the films "Milk" and "When We Rise."
Rahim Dharamsi
Rahim is one of the team members that focuses on fundraising for York libraries. Rahim knows that the library is that one place where you can go and find a quiet space to study, unwind from classes and/or to collaborate with a group. All are always welcome.
Currently Reading: "The Girl in the Middle - Growing up between Black and White, Rich and Poor" by Anais Granofsky
Clara Thomas
Clara Thomas was a longtime friend and champion of York Libraries. She was particularly proud of bringing the Margaret Laurence papers to the Library’s Archives. Once she retired, she had a desk at the Archives and enjoyed being around Michael Moir and his staff.
Miranda
Miranda is a 2nd year Sociology student from Mexico! She loves enchiladas, patron and enjoys music and reading in her free time.
Favourite Book: "Return to Sender" by Julia Alvarez
Sarah Coysh
Sarah is the Associate Dean, Digital Engagement and Strategy on the York libraries team. She’s focused on supporting the current and future needs of the libraries and the broader university with respect to technological infrastructure, knowledge creation, preservation, and discovery.
Currently Reading: I’m a Mom of two school aged children so I am currently reading with them "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl.
Zakeera
Zakeera is a 3rd year Global Health student specializing in health policy management who loves spending time at Scott Library, catching up with friends, reading, and studying.
Favourite Book: "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini
Alan Peng
Alan is the Supervisor of Digital Development on the York University Libraries team. He’s focused on fostering a dynamic and innovative learning environment that empowers students to explore and create. The Making and Media Creation Lab offers state-of-the-art facilities that encourage both the sharing and development of knowledge. Alan is dedicated to ensuring these resources inspire students to push creative boundaries and engage with new technologies in meaningful ways.
Currently Reading: "Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones" by James Clear
Kunal
Kunal is a 3rd Psychology honours student. You can find him in the 2nd floor study booths at Scott Library, he says it’s the best place to study!
Favourite Book: "Stillness is the Key" by Ryan Holiday
Anna St. Onge
Anna is York’s Interim Head Archivist. Anna is proud that York Libraries strive to preserve and disseminate knowledge and we work to provide our community with the tools to develop critical thinking and cultivate the necessary literacies to be informed, empowered, and engaged members of society. It is difficult work that necessarily takes the long view and requires investment and support.
Currently Reading: Paul Lynch's "Prophet Song" . I just finished Claire Keegan's "Small things like these", and I'm re-reading la paperson's "A Third University is Possible".
Teresa Lee
Teresa is the Associate Dean, Research and Open Scholarship on the York libraries team. She’s focused on building collections that bring the world’s knowledge to York and York’s knowledge to the world.
Currently Reading: “Kim’s Convenience” by Ins Choi, and “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott
Jennifer McGillivray
Jen is a York staff member and an ’04 AMPD alumna. As a student Jen was often found in the Library researching for my history of visual sources class and these days her favourite perk of the job is using her library card!
Favourite Book Genre: Murder mysteries especially by Louise Penny, Peter Robinson and Ian Rankin