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The entrance to the Shellbrook public library. (Wapiti Regional Libary)
Community unrest

Local community rallies around dismissed librarian

Mar 25, 2022 | 5:00 PM

Tracey Azevedo said the lack of response from the Wapiti Regional Library concerning the dismissal of Shellbrook’s librarian is both disheartening and disgusting.

Azevedo is among dozens of concerned community members calling for answers following Dian Campbell’s termination last month.

“She’s been an upstanding librarian; she’s been the heartbeat of our community,” Azevedo told paNOW, adding Campbell had also run programming for the people above and beyond the hours required.

Prior to her sudden notice of termination on Feb. 22, Campbell had been at the library since 2015. Azevedo explained, as per their own policy, the regional board must consult with the local library board and the town before making any decisions of this nature, and none of that was done.

“We have no answers, we have a lot of questions,” she said. “It was a dismissal without cause.”

In addition to a letter writing campaign to the Wapiti Regional Board, as well as the CEO, a petition is being circulated and a trust fund set up for Campbell.

Azevedo explained the answers they are seeking go beyond the facility, but also reflect the programming and the role Campbell carried within the public library.

“It’s been a pretty disheartening and disgusting response, and a lack of response that we’ve had back,” she said.

April Phillips, chair of the Wapiti Regional Board, provided a statement to paNOW, explaining the Wapiti Regional Library cannot comment on internal human resources issues.

“Wapiti is working with the Town of Shellbrook to continue to operate a functioning public library in the community. The library is currently open and providing service,” she said.

When paNOW reached out to Campbell for comment, she explained she was unable to as a complaint had been filed with the labour board. With respect to the community support she is receiving, Campbell said she is both humbled and very appreciative of her community.

“I think my community knows me really well and understands that this is something that never should have happened. Unfortunately it has and now we will have to deal with it,” she said.

Campbell indicated the labour board has filed papers with Wapiti and Wapiti in turn has until the end of the month to reply. If the labour board rules in favour of Campbell then Wapiti would have two weeks to appeal.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

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