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m id 3 m s S § ai S < & £ & 3 9 * 2 T i â€" S * 5 s S < $ Matyas up for the challenge as Waterloo‘s chief librarian ince stepping into her new role as S\\'alerloo's new chief librarian in mid January, every day has been an adventure for Cathy Matyas. When‘s she‘s not acquainting herâ€" self with her new surroundings at the main library on Albert Street â€" from the children‘s department to the boiler room â€"â€" she‘s sorting through report after report dealing with one of the city‘s current hot topics: library expanâ€" sion. Adapting has been somewhat of a challenge, Matyas admits. But it‘s a test she‘s up to, given her long history in building and improving library serâ€" vice. Matyas started her career with the North York public library system, which has since amalgamated to become the Toronto public library sysâ€" After spending five years in the big city, Matyas decided to go small town, accepting a role as assistant chief librarian at the Stratford library. Another five years went by before Matyas moved to the Kitchener public library system, where she ultimately became manager of planning and partnership development. Her job included overseeing the Library Founâ€" dation, and planning the library‘s annual fundraising campaign. Matyas said the role was fulfilling, and she built many partnerships â€" some of which she believes will continâ€" ue in her new role in Waterlo0. But the bulk of Matyas‘ experience came through her role as deputy direcâ€" tor of the Regina public library out west. There she gained expertise helping to run a unique facility that housed a premiere print collection, as well as a theatre and an art gallery. "All aspects of library culture were covered," Matyas said. "They‘ve done quite innovative things there." o And Waterloo‘s new chief librarian feels the same potential exists here. "I see Waterloo as an opportunity for me to help build a better library, both physically and as a service. By AnoreA Bamey Chronicle Staff Waterloo‘s new chief librarian Cathy Matyas becomes better acquainted with her surroundings. "Waterloo is known as dynamic and innovative, with some very good comâ€" munity partners here. And I‘m looking forward to working with some of them again." _ Returning to the area was also a homecoming of sorts for Matyas. "I love this community," she said. "There are so many things going on, and it‘s grown so much. It‘s good to be back." But, she admitted, seeing the state of library service in Waterloo was an eyeâ€"opener. She was perhaps most shocked to learn Waterloo‘s per capita library funding sits at $22, the lowest in the Waterloo region and one of the lowest in Canada. But that‘s where Matyas‘ strong background in building partnerships is an asset. "Yes, there should be increased funding for the library," she said. "But at the same time, the library needs to look at alternative sources of revenue, without compromising the free and equitable services it now offers. Matyas said there‘s a lot of work ahead to bring local library service up to standard. â€""People love the library, but it can‘t live on love alone." LIFESTYLE And that opens a whole new can of worms for the new chicf librarian, given the ongoing controversy around library expansion. "There‘s a fair amount of work that needs to be done in (library) collecâ€" tions and services, not to mention the physical aspect," she said. Matyas said it‘s obvious there are strong sides to the issue, one promotâ€" ing main library expansion on the existing site and another in favour of a new main library on Father David Bauer Drive. Matyas said she can understand both sides of the expansion issue. She also said it‘s obvious library service is important to this community. "There‘s no doubt, something needs to happen with the main library. And I believe branch libraries need to be part of a blueprint for the future. "We‘re at the point now where everybody feels we need to step back and take a broader look at all the options, and make sure the right deciâ€" sions are made." "I detect firm thinking on the part of the public," she said. "A lot of people are used to this building, and have been for many years. And they‘re not comfortâ€" Continued on page 1 1 Trillium Retirement Apartments at Waterloo Heights will hold a Valentine‘s Tea Feb. 14, featuring music and treats. The afternoon will include the talents of vocalist Joanne Chin, and a wonderful array of scones and muffins, homemade jam and devon cream. The residents of Waterloo Heights choose a charity each year, in which they raise funds through monthly fundraisers. The Canadian National Institute for the Blind â€"Waterloo District has been chosen for 2003. Campaign donations will be accepted at the door. The tea will begin at 2:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Waterloo Heights at 886â€" Doon Heritage Crossroads is holding its eighth annual Seedy Saturday, Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 3410 Presentations on starting tomato seedlings without a greenhouse; wildflowers in home gardens; phoâ€" tographing flowers; heirloom seeds â€" varieties and sources; and collecting and saving seeds are planned to take place throughout the day. A community seed exchange table will be set up where local gardeners can swap their favourite heirâ€" loom seeds with those brought in by other gardeners. The event is a celebration of Canadian gardening heritage, featuring presentations by members of the Kitchener Master Gardeners Association and Doon‘s gardening staff. Local seed vendors plan to attend, bringing with them a range of heritage and other specialty seed. Admission is $2 per person, payable at the door. For more information, call 748â€"1914. Raise Home Support Service for the Elderly will present the first annual Valentine‘s Day Symphony of Love, Feb. 14 at the Waterloo Inn. Sponsored by Gary H. Attack of Cartier Partners Financial Services, the evening will include a romantic candlelight dinner, the sensational song stylings of the Mantini Sisters, followed by the Twilites for dancing. Cocktails will begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 _ The cost to attend is $75 per person or $150 per couple. A charitable receipt is available upon request for $35 per person. Doon Heritage Crossroads hosts annual Seedy Saturday Enjoy a ‘Symphony of Love‘ Valentine‘s Tea offered at Trillium apartments For more information call 744â€"7666 l1pâ€"y4»‘â€"] 746â€"1666 u a a Ask for details WATERLOO NORTH | Northfield at the Parkway %o FINANCING www waterloomazda.com in Waterloo