BARRHEAD – Lindsey Juke Turnbull has stepped into her new role as director of the Barrhead Public Library, bringing with her 15 years of experience, a passion for inclusive programming, and a deep love for the role libraries play in communities.
Juke Turnbull officially began the position on June 2 and said she was immediately struck by the unique charm of the local library.
“I've heard Barrhead Public Library described as a place of wonder,” she said. “The library's always been my favourite place to be ever since I was little. It just took me a while to come to the library as the point of my career.”
Previously with the Edmonton Public Library, Juke Turnbull worked with community agencies and schools to oversee branch programs and build partnerships. She believes libraries have evolved significantly, becoming vital community hubs.
“Libraries have been expanding programs for the community, for kids, for connection, for families, and people of all ages,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of libraries as democratic spaces where open dialogue and diverse ideas are welcomed.
“I love the libraries add democratic space where all ideas can be explored. It's really the last place for that truly open questioning - nothing is forbidden in that way,” she said.
Her previous work included collaborating with social service agencies to address community needs and access barriers. One of her most impactful projects involved building a relationship with a women’s prison institution, where she launched a book club and a story and crafts program.
Juke Turnbull noted that the governance structure in Barrhead differs from what she experienced in Edmonton, but she’s excited about building relationships with the board and community. She said she has already started attending local events and is impressed by the programs already in place.
She completed her Master’s in Library and Information Science at the University of Alberta and enjoys reading historical nonfiction and crime stories, though she once had a love for science fiction. She also has a preference for e-books, something she acknowledges might stir a bit of controversy.
Juke Turnbull encourages anyone curious about e-reading to visit the library for help getting started.
“I was also enamoured by this storytelling tree they have where you can climb all the way inside and explore these little doors and then there's a little puppet opening - a mystical place!” she said, adding that puppet shows will be part of future programming.
Originally from High River and now living in the Onoway area with her family, Juke Turnbull is passionate about the role libraries can play in bridging digital divides and reducing isolation.
“I think there's a place in the library for digital literacy, helping people to stay connected, keeping them connected to their communities, battling social isolation and the library does that, being the cornerstone of our community,” she said. “There is something here for all sorts of types of folks.”
